How should newbies filter through advice?

[Shion Queen]

How should newbies filter through advice? I know certain things take experience with a dash of common sense, but when your savings is on the line, you want to evaluate your plan just as much at the properties you are trying to buy.

I reached out to a few agents regarding OOS properties to ask about the areas from an investor's POV and it was almost like they didn't want to entertain the thought and were less than supportive of buying in certain areas.  I get that certain areas just aren't good for my particular business plan, but I got a flat "I don't go there", "It is too competitive" or simply not addressing the questions I asked. EVERYONE needs a place to live from A-C neighborhoods. 

I don't want a "yes" man to tell me what I want to hear, but how can I discern good advice from the bad?  Should I talk to 3 people from the same area and take a poll?