If I was an Imperial Warlord, I wouldn't be like most warlords in the fact that I'd go to war with everyone and their mother. Firstly, I'd pick a good planet or sector to set up shop in (such as Desevro in the Tion Cluster). After I had taken my force from the Empire and set up my own faction, I would put it under a process of review and restructuring.
First and foremost, I would be no 'Emperor' or 'Warlord', rather I would change my title to something like 'Governor' or 'Chief of State'. I would end the Human-centrism in my Empire, and begin recruiting from non-Human ranks, that way I would push myself away from the Empire even farther. Once then, I would begin actively expanding my domain, albeit peacefully, through treaties and deals, until I controlled a region of space (the whole Tion Cluster).
From there, I would begin to solidify my Empire. I would look for a planet primed for manufacturing, like Lianna or Murkhana, and use it as my primary shipyard and foundry, in the case as a precuation for war. I would highlight a planet with tough terrain, like Rhen Var, and use it for a key infantry training post. I would continue to make good use of my resources (i.e. using Raxus Prime to salvage scrap metal for my shipyards and foundries, forming treaties with others factions like the New Republic and others to form neutrality and an ally if need be). My Empire would be the United States (under-Reagan) of the galaxy far, far away