Kinda Cheating
One way to make a little money at the very beginning of the game with no risk whatsoever is to buy commodities at a low price. Then save, and keep loading that save untill you get a good price, and then sell them. Save, keep loading untill you get a low price and repeat the process.
I know it's kinda cheating, but it's a good way to get enough money to get that essential afterburner and jump drive so you can start those lucrative cargo runs.