Investing in cryptocurrencies will surely bring returns, Verge, Golem and Lisk are the 3 i prefer out of the ones you've mentioned. Doing a couple of ICOs won't be a bad idea but with your lack of experience might be even more confusing. So, stick to the ones already available on exchanges. In regards to your last question. once you are ready to buy a coin or a token, check under markets, on coinmarketcap.com  there you will be able to see in which exchange (s) is available. Then, sign up into this new exchange and once that's ready you can send bitcoin/ Ethereum so that you can acquire the coin or token you desire.