Welcome, Ken. Hopefully you'll get a lot of attention if no one else is posting in this forum, even if your questions are from a newbies perspective. :)

I have a hitbtc account, but I don't think I've used it all that much yet. Maybe search for a tutorial on their new interface if it's confusing?

Neo and Gas look quite interesting. I bought some a while back but didn't sell when they went all the way up to $50. Someone described it as the Chinese ethereum and that definitely got me interested. If I do end up selling some, it will be with hopes to buy back cheaper, I think. I do like earning gas. :)

ICOs... man, no idea there. I've participated in a handful. Some give great returns and some don't. It's a risky play in an already risky space.

I hope that helps.