Quote Originally Posted by AddictedGamer
4. What is fun, challenging faction to start as
Well you should try starting with the Eastern Roman Empire if you just want to get a feel of the game, ERE isn't the hardest faction but you do have to worry about the hordes up north, religion and expansionist Sassanids to your east.

You could also try starting as the Huns or the Vandals, you'll find these to be considerably more challenging than the ERE. Your troops aren't of the highest quality and sieging settlements can be a costly enterprise - especially against the Roman crack troops, or the barbarian axe specialists.

Other than that, Braden and Econ gave some sound advise as well, especially concerning the Mods for BI.