Hey all Im new to altcoin and was seeing if anybody could point me the right way or if anybody else that was new wanted to go a skype group w/ me and we could toss ideas off each other.....

Here are the questions I have so far
1. Bittrex the best exchange to use?
2. How to tell is an altcoin is a scam?
3. Are my coins safe on a site like bittrex or do I need to cold store them & how do u do that if its not bitcoin?
4. How do I find out about new coins coming out or is it best to buy coins that have been out and r more trusted?
5. What to look for with selecting a coin to buy?

Ive never really traded stocks or anything so if anybody has tips links or other useful info send it my way! And is Bittrex the best exchange to use?
Cheers