Here's one that I had leveraged recently:
- So I'm diplomatically neutral with the Burlusts, and friendly with the Andors. I stack a load of goons. Convince the red-skinned children to build an manufacturing outpost with my help, which nets me positive influence. After that, I take it (a newly constructed outpost is undefended). Then I ask the Andors to speak on my behalf (Federationists in power). I do the same with a science outpost. The same again with a second manufacturing outpost. Oh no, they've run out of materials for a second science outpost! Give them phlebotinum from the traders quest, and repeat with the second outpost.
Voila, 4 outposts for me, leaving the truly exploited Burlusts mildly unhappy (About -25 net?) and bankrupt. Sneaky Andor accomplices get a free cookie for their efforts (I make them an outpost from the proceeds).
Every outpost you take makes the next heist faster. Not sure of a good fix - may require some thought. I would rather implement a way to get races to help you construct your own outpost, rather than their outpost.