Since you have Island Paradise, I think you should try playing with the Medina family:
http://sims.wikia.com/wiki/Teodor_Medina
When you read his story, you can't help but feel sorry for him and try to fix his life. I changed his lifetime wish from deap see diver to owning a 5 star resort as I think it's more adequate to his story.
I am having a lot a fun playing with him and Pamira, more than I had with Jun Xu (the other pre made I played once), I fixed his life, he has a new job although he doesnt need one because he now owns the 3 resorts in town!!! Take that Alfonso Alto :p Pamira has a daughter so Teodor is now a proud granddad. It's a really nice family to play with and you can try and fix the hobart's place, that's how I started to get money, and I also sold his stupid house and bought a cheaper one.