Even though I started the game somewhat 6-7 seasons ago, I started in a similar situation to you. There's a few things I wish I'd have done differently looking back, expanding my arena earlier and saving all my income to do that was the biggest. In order to compete at D2, you need to have players with high salaries and to do that you have to bring income in from your arena, so I'd recommend getting this up first.
As for next season, I'd just buy 3-6 trainees and a minimum of a superior trainer and train them up so your not using much money and your earning tons of cash throughout arena income, merchandising and TV. When your arena reaches a satisfactory capacity (lets say around 10000), I'd then look to promote and you could do this easily by buying a few older guys with good skills and save as much money as you can to buy better players ready for D2 and to continue expanding your arena. It takes times but it's fun along the way, especially if you train. In this season, just look to finish playoffs and then lose deliberately until your ready to go up.
Last edited by js8 at 04/07/2015 19:03:28