Before anything else add me (don't be lazy!) YWM953. 

Okay here we go. If you want a good account(ratio of win is greater than loss, high income, high defense, can max units with high upkeep) then there is no shortcuts. Most guides tell you to go to the sanction list then attack any name you see there, but that will not work out for you if you want a decent account that you can brag. 

I have been playing World War since last year and currently have $1.4 billion income with $113 million upkeep. Good amount of defense buildings as well. This guide is very simple. I will just state the rules. (You will find this steps boring but this is a slowly but surely process)

1. Purchase as many income buildings and defense buildings you can
2. Add as many allies as possible (Add me YWM953)
3. Do not rush leveling up(the higher the level the stronger the enemies are)
4. Don't buy units with upkeep unless your income is 5x larger than the total upkeep cost(use a calculator if needed)
5. When someone is farming you, never post a comment on his wall. Just ignore him/her. When the person is 10 levels higher than you then you can't be attacked no more.
6. Make lots of friends. If you're lucky they might have an ATM account(high level account with no defense that you can attack and gain faster money. I know good ATMs so add me YWM953)
7. Join a clan in palringo app (optional)
8. ENJOY