Being team leader is very important. I'd say if you go team leader your first two months, go for EA2 and BTL (TL2) your first and 2nd month.
Your first month become EA than BTL. Your Second month become EA2 (EA 2nd month qulififying then TL2 (BTL 2nd Month qualifying.
1st Month
Gain 1500 SVPs and/or PVPs and 1000 in AVPs become EA
Gain 2000 SVPs and/or PVPs and 1000 in AVPs become BTL
2nd Month :: Maintain EA and BTL to become EA2 and TL2
Gain 1500 SVPs and/or PVPs and 1000 in AVPs your 2nd month become EA2
Gain 2000 SVPs and/or PVPs and 1000 in AVPs your 2nd month be come TL2
Each month be sure you are building your team and helping them to EA2. This will gain earnings that you can only get as EA2 or higher and only if they are EA2..
Yes becoming a leader first and building your team is what will help profit and flow..in turn increasing your income.