I'm with LB on this: every relationship I've had has started from the basis of mutual attraction, not a desire to be friends. The relationships I let start as friendships never really changed from that.
And honestly, acting like you want to be friends when you really want to date is disingenuous as shit, and how lots of men end up in the "Friendship Zone" and then complain about it, because they were hoping to gradually work into a relationship instead of just seeking one. It's borderline cowardly behavior in my book.
I do have one piece of dating advice. Never approach someone in a group of people and ask them out point blank. The answer will almost always be no. Asking people out in front of others is basically forcing them to respond right then and there in front of witnesses, and most people pressed that way will say no as the safest response. If you need to get someone alone or at least with some privacy so you can ask them out, just ask them for a word alone. Maybe some will think it makes you look bold or like you don't care if you just ask them publically, but frankly I think it's awkward and imposing on the person you're asking out to do it that way.
I watched a guy at work do this. He approached a new hire in another business in the middle of her communal office, flowers in hand, and asked her out. A very sweet gesture. Also completely crushing when she told him no, in front of like 5 people.