Look for coins where devs are begging for donations instead of a premine.  Litecoin, dogecoin, peercoin, BBR, Monero (both Monero & BBR might be tainted depending on how you look at things).  Older PoW coins (and a select few new ones) appear to not be scams.

Most of this place is shady as hell.

Sad part is I'm not convinced there is anything to be gained by putting money in non scam coins.
[/quote]

I hear you. I am invested in other coins with good devs and communities. The only thing you get out of it is the feel good feeling you are not getting scammed even if your investment keeps tanking.

Hype and PR drives this marketplace. Hopefully, people will start investing in established projects instead of chasing the very elusive quick buck.