new to the scrap seen

I'll try to answer some of them...

You don't need to be licensed to scrap.

Don't mess with refridgerators. They're full of freon which is illegal to release

Definately strip the non-ferrous stuff (copper, brass, aluminum, etc.) out of appliances

In addition to posting on craigslist, go around to auto repair shops and any companies that deal with metal and offer to haul away their metal for free. If that doesn't work, offer them a small percentage

If you handle a large volume of wire, check online for wire stripping machines.

Anything bright and shiny will get the same price at the yard, no matter what condition

Good luck