Ask professionals; I had an idea for some real estate listing thing, and just went to a local real estate agent to inquire how stuff works, I asked if there wer

Ask professionals; I had an idea for some real estate listing thing, and just went to a local real estate agent to inquire how stuff works, I asked if there were issues they face which related to what I was thinking of. Most folks are willing in giving you some basic insight into what they do. Maybe if the field is under trade secrets or one other development field would be a different story, or if you are looking to "disrupt their industry". If disruption is the goal then might be best to inquire in another far away town and say you want to do X in my town of Y... Less threatening if you are not competing in someone's competitive market. As you learn more you will engage the people you talk to with your knowledge and as you progress you will get more help. Trying to get in depth knowledge cold-turkey would seem like a waste of time for most professionals.