Hi this is my first character and I am hoping to get some advice. I want to play a stealing thief, basically someone who's opposed killing, but doesn't mind fleecing a few sheep. What's the best to way proceed?

Do I need to go all the way to fence and counterfeit? What exactly do they do?

Also, what other paths complement me the most. I play randomly for short periods of time, so I would also like to be able to solo. Can that be done with a pickpocket thief?