You talk a lot about when to pick a stock, but that really isn't the most important part. The most important part is RISK MANAGEMENT.

The easiest way to become a profitable trader is to pick a system you like to trade (eg. swing trading, day trading, position trading). Then pick an indicator you like (eg. Ichimoku, CCI, MACD, Stochastics). And paper trade this system for 6 months.

Once you do this for 6 months you will have an idea of what the win percentage is and what sort of risk/reward you have on each trade. With this information you can pick a proper portfolio risk percentage and start making money. It will also help you identify if the system is even viable.

The best book I ever read about trading and turned me into a profitable trader was "My trading bible" by Mark Ritchie. It focus's almost exclusively on risk management and emotions.