I think you need to research on altcoins, know the basis, have a mentor (someone who has been on it for at least one year), know the areas your mentor made mistakes learn how, not to make that same mistake before you think about investing on altcoin. My opinion
there is a saying that what others work for them might not work for you, therfor not all suggestions can posibly work. much better if he can just try it out and see what works for him. Loosing is also good in order to learn and improve your self .
smart invest on altcoins is only necesary on all coins but i think it is only applicable on the coins that is not verry popular or unkown in another term.
overall you do not need to be a smart guy in ordrer to invest in altcoins because all people even the dumb ones can still invest on it as long as you know the basics ( like buy low sell high )