Possible + Factions to start out with, IMO.<br/><br/>As Avalon has pointed out, the Citizenry of various districts (though most likely Silkshore) are definite possibilities.<br/><br/>Others include most of the Labor & Trade factions, though of those, I would point out 5 of them.  As has been stated, the Ink Rakes make excellent sources of information and therefore scores, especially if we want to really work at our favored tactic of underworld disruption.  The Rail Jacks are an excellent choice, too - Rail Jacks are the people who protect the trains from spirits outside the cities.  They can be hired or convinced to help out with dealing with rogue spirits without having to involve the Wardens.  The Foundation - the city builders - may be too powerful a faction to start out with as a friend, but they do know the city.  The Gondoliers are another previously-mentioned one, but they're good if you need the lowdown on occult stuff happening in the city.  The last real noteworthy faction I would suggest for starting out are the Cyphers.  They may be sworn not to reveal their clients or their messages; doesn't mean they can't reveal other things.<br/><br/>Some of the Institution factions are good.<br/><br/>Like the Foundation, Ironhook Prison may be too powerful to start off with, but having a good rapport with them will help if one of us has to go in.  Ditto the Spirit Wardens.  Being friends with the Bluecoats can be to our benefit and detriment, especially as the 'coats aren't exactly your good cops of the city.  The Inspectors are definitely worthy, as while the Bluecoats can harass you and beat you up, the Inspectors are the ones who decide if you get prosecuted.  The Sparkwrights could be good for advanced tech and research - our Q Division equivalent - but...<br/><br/>As for the Underworld, there's two factions I would pick out here.  The Silver Nails are a good choice, since they're renowned ghost fighters and mercenaries who have only taken up crime for the money; and there's the Gray Cloaks, who are basically Shield Vigilantes.<br/><br/>Possible (-) Factions.<br/><br/>Pretty much anyone in the Underworld I haven't named previously, though getting much above Tier II could be problematic for us.  The Brigade - Duskwall firefighters - might also be a possibility, as its known they run a racket.  The Bluecoats might also be one, for the reasons I mentioned above in the + section.