Considering Ptolomai campaign at some point

[Titus Marcellus Scato]

you dont get trade income cause the trade routes from alexandria go to sidon and antioch which the seleucids control (sidon gets bribed)

I found making peace with the Seleucids very early on in the campaign can be just as profitable as taking towns from them, since Ptolemies don't need a huge army if they are not at war with Seleukia. Giving me time to build up my towns. I took Damascus very early, and then made peace for a while, waiting until they attack me again.