So far.. I am about 12 or so hours into the game...think I am going about it wrong...lol,. but I am already at the Sonny getting shot stage (I have been doing the missions mostly, was worried that they wouldnt wait on me to fiddle around doing my own things, is that right??). But anyway back to the point.. I am a Soldier at this point.. have yet to take down any wherehouses or compounds (other than the one I took down with Sonny in a mission)...

So... can I fiddle around doing my own thing (such as extortion, taking over compounds/wherehouses, and doing hits) and ignore the story mission without being harmed (by that I mean damaging the story and my standing in the family)??