Questions on a new character build

[Needs More Chaos Magic]

So I'm creating an Elderitch Scoundrel and I'm wondering whether I should go with Arcane Strike or Weapon Finesse as my one feat. I have a +3 Dex Mod and as of now my strength bonus is +2 (although if I take Arcane Strike I may switch my strength and wisdom stats, which would put lower the strength bonus to +1--just because I have profession gambler and my DM tends to have us spend a lot of time interacting in town). I rolled really good gold (170) so my weapons are the hand crossbow, rapier and dagger if that factors into the advice.

Actually while I'm posting has anyone played profession gambler before? I know all professions are wisdom based but can you use dex skills in specific ways with it (sleight of hand to cheat at poker, or win at dice or darts for example)

Lastly, in the same book that has the Elderitch Scoundrel there's a trait that lets you read magic as a spell like ability. Is that worth it (I've never played a prepared arcane caster before, so I'm not sure how necessary read magic is; but I don't think I'd want to waste one of my few zero level spell slots on it every time).

Thanks for any advice.

[Syries]

If you go Eldritch Scoundrel, look into going into levels of Arcane Trickster. Faster sneak attack progression and you maintain full caster levels.

You don't need strength- get weapon finesse and pick up an Agile weapon later. You'll be fine with 10-12 str. In the mean time, rely on spells like shocking grasp and using sneak attack.

Something to consider is pumping up wisdom to 14ish and picking up Ki Pool and Ninja Trick(Vanishing trick), and pick up the Extra Ki feat. Swift action invisibility is a great boon for sneak attack builds.

Getting dex to hit is a priority, and Arcane Strike is nice but should be a secondary feature to look into getting.

As for the trait, you don't need it. You cast from the Wizard list, and have the same number of spells per day as a magus. That's means you have 0-level spells which can be used for Read and Detect Magic.

For Profession, that is up to you and your GM to use. If your party does end up spending a lot of time in town and you role play the interactions, profession(gambler) could come in handy, but keep in mind that profession skills should not replace skills that already exist. Thus, if your goal is to cheat at gambling, it makes more sense to actually use the sleight of hand skill as that is what that skill is there for.