The first topic is here: http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1312052-master-playthrough-40-hp-vampire-assassin/

The discussion in the first topic includes lots of useful information for budding and experienced Vampires, alike. As someone who had never played a Vampire before, I also found the following discussion very helpful (it might be the reason why I wanted to play a Vampire in the first place): http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1332899-am-i-the-first-to-discover-this-synergy-with-necromage-perk-and-vampirism/page__st__90__p__20106523__hl__vampire%20necromage__fromsearch__1#entry20106523

I just started my first Vampire playthrough. I anticipate my build resembling something like this:
http://skyrimcalculator.com/#87236

Like the OP of Part 1, I am using an High Elf (for the magicka) and I have yet to add a point to health (I am almost to level 20).

I started a new character with the intention of playing Vampire from the start. High Elves have low sneak, so in the starter dungeon I always sneak by the bear until sneak reaches 25 before continuing. That is good enough to reach level 3 before exiting.

Then I went Riverwood, sold all my extra gear, and made straight for North Shriekwind Bastion (which is west and a little south of The Guardian Stones). There the first enemy you meet is a Vampire and can be used to contract the disease. I then cleared out the dungeon, but was only able to defeat the master vampire at the end because I previously found a Conjure Storm Atronach scroll which I happily used.

I contracted the disease at level 3, but it did not take root as Vampirism until level 10. I wanted to ease into the role. I also wanted to have access to Skyforge Steel weapons, so I went to Whiterun and joined the Companions. After completing the first long quest and getting my free sword, I am done with them (becoming a werewolf heals Vampirism).

I currently have Faendal as a companion. I do make use of free training from companions (who can train, like Faendal and Archery, and from whom you can simply get your money back). My Vampire will not finish the Companions questline and thus gain access to the Companions as companions, so he is the first of my characters to train and then pickpocket the funds back. The Companions are perfect for this; find them where they sleep, train, pickpocket your money back when they return to sleep (works for one level at a time), then rinse and repeat. But Pickpocket rises quickly; I have gained a full level on two different occasions just by training and pickpocket increases, and Pickpocket is my highest skill at 61.

My character has now joined the Thieves Guild and the Dark Brotherhood. He is currently staying in Stage 1 Vampirism and has successfully fed at both locations. If you are in Stage 4 and want to return to Stage 1, fast travel to either location, enter and wait until folks are sleeping. If you are hidden, you can safely feed.

Given how easy it has been to feed without feeding on my companion (tell them to sleep on an unowned bed, then feed), I am thinking of dismissing Faendal until such times as when I go dragon hunting. I will probably stay Stage 1 until my character is more powerful, particularly with Illusion and invisibility.

Back to adventuring ...

Edit: To be clear -- I am playing on Adept (default) Difficulty.

I hope you have heard of the necromage boost, check my sig if you haven't.

You could play as a 25 health vampire (100-60x1.25), as you basically get a 25% boost to everything. You would probably die from jumping down a foot high ledge on master ha.

I'm going to go for a similar character for my next play through, just undecided on the race.

Thank you. Yes, I did know about this. It is a large part of why I am playing a vampire character in the first place.