1: Make sure you don't buy anything until you fully upgrade the Villa. This will ensure you a steady income for the rest of the game. Also every weapon, armor piece, and painting will add to your income. Buy them as your Villa income comes in at 20 min intervals. You will have more money than you know what to do with by the end of the game.
2: To start you funds off right turn on "Eagle Vision" in the villa. Run around and get all 8 statues. Not only will you earn an achievement but it will net you $8000 in the bank + adding to your over-all villa Value.
3: Get every feather you see, Not only will it net you an achievement but also 1 special weapon and the Auditore Cape which leads to another achievement.
4: Read, the story is told from a variety of view points. As you run around you will get actual historical data with mixed the personal views of the in game characters telling you about them. This not only furthers the story-line but also add historical perspective to the game. Also read the letters you deliver, and once unlocked the Walls of the Auditore Tomb. All of these combined with the Main character dialogues, and npc dialogues (that's right characters who run around in the city talk too) will envelope you in the story.
5: Remember about the "Uplay" feature. As you progress through the game you will unlock Uplay points. These will allow you to buy new things in game. Such as the Auditore tomb, More knives, Altiars costume, and even an xbox360 theme for you dashboard.
