Keep your overhead low.
2.) Do create three separate bank accounts for taking money in, for paying your labor, and for paying bills with a debit card. It’s never fun when a vendor dings your card and accidentally adds an extra zero at the end of a bill and you needed to make payroll.
3.) You are not a Bank, don’t lend money by working first then getting paid, take deposits on phases before you start a phase. If a client has a big project and needs NET terms then use a factoring company to check the credit worthiness of the client and to take over your accounts receivable for your company.
How do you do this though? Banks/creditors generally demand a personal guarantee on any small business credit cards, loans, etc. Specifically because small/new businesses are very risky.
Small businesses are risky. It doesn't pay to put your personal financial well being on the line to sign up a customer. You aren't starting a bank. Good factoring companies do a monthly credit worthiness check on your clients for you. A real asset for this kind of business.
I will keep in mind to keep overhead low, and develop strong relationships with people in my niche.