i was wondering if people had any cool ways of starting off a tie swarm

Howl Runner, swarm tactics

Depends what you mean by 'starting off'.

If you want an interesting swarm, try the TIE Fighter All-Stars - the six named TIE pilots - needs less ships and has a lot of character to it because every ship is unique in its abilities (although Winged Gundark is a bit naff).

There are plenty of ways to field a swarm.

The most extreme one is 4 academies and 4 obsidians - you get two four-ship elements, and your opponent is left facing a nightmare of blocking and multiple maneuvers to keep track of. By comparison, you can get down to at least 6 ships easily - less than that ceases to really be a 'swarm' per se.

Howlrunner is a very good core to a squad flying in a block. I would suggest either Determination or Swarm Tactics.

A Black Squadron Pilot with Draw Their Fire is a good 'wingman for her.

Dark Curse and Night Beast are good 'fillers' as they're very tough for their cost.