So what would be typical steps of buying online through localbitcoins (since I don't have any local guy available)
Common methods of payment on localbitcoins:
(Screenshot from localbitcoins website)
Pick someone with good rating and many trades
There really isn't anything else to go by, unless someone you trust makes a personal recommendation.
how reliable are those stats
Not very.
(remember I'm completely new to this); Can those stats be rigged, hacked...
Yes.
What would you choose as paying method?
I like cash deposit into the seller's bank account if they have a bank branch near me. Otherwise, I like cash sent via USPS, or Money Order send via USPS. You'll have to decide what methods you prefer.
Do they accept money orders?
Some do.
Or is something better that protects both, buyer and seller? Well, seller is protected by receiving funds first.
Seller does not receive funds first. When used properly, first the seller's bitcoins are locked in an account controlled by localbitcoins.com. Then the seller receives and verifies payment. Then the seller informs localbitcoins.com that they can release the locked bitcoins to the buyer.
How are you as buyer protected?
You are protected by the localbitcoins.com escrow service. Of course, the seller could lie and claim that you never paid them. At that point it would be up to you to convince localbitcoins.com that you actually did make the payment. As such, I would hold on to any deposit receipts or other payment proof until you receive the bitcoins.
Is all you have those positive seller stats or is there something else that helps the buyer?
Already asked multiple times by you. Already answered multiple times by me. No need to ask the same question 3 times.
