Absolutely allow yourself a salary by upvoting your introduction posts! I allow myself one full power self vote a day as my "payment" for trying to use my delegations wisely. We can aim to be altruistic while still reaping a little bit of benefit.

As for renting a delegation, that is entirely up to you and how you want to invest in the future of Welcoming. I have rented delegations a couple of times, and didn't really see that it had much impact on my success or failure as a curator. But that could just be me. Some people find great success with renting delegations. Honestly, I have not looked at it since the SBD run up, so it may be more profitable now than it was when I tried it... I don't think @transisto would steer you wrong. hahah