Experts

I need some advice. Not just on the technicalities of writing, I've got my son Charlie for that. It's that I don't want to write about anything until I consult with the experts in the field. I imagine a reader, (please God, let me have readers) turning to page, say, 107 and saying, "She doesn't know what the hell she's talking about! There are only 7 continents, not 12!" Or something like that.
I can write about hurricanes because I've lived through lots of those. I can write about being 52 because I've been 52. I can continue to write about things I already know about, but that would bore me.
I want to learn new things and write about them.
For some, I consult friends. As a matter of fact, I've chosen some characters based on the fact that I already know people like that. They can then feed me their histories that I can ascribe to my characters. My friend Steve, for instance, has a lifelong career as radio DJ. I also worked in radio for a short time. Voila! I write a character who is a DJ and use that to help the plot along. That may be a bit of the tail wagging the dog, but it's working for me. I'm finding ways to make people and events I'm already familiar with to use as plot devices.
Since I don't have that many friends, I'm going to have to go out and pick the brains of total strangers. I'm very extroverted and therefore don't mind at all doing that. In fact, I think I may be oblivious, most times, to my lack of social restraint. But there are many writers, I would imagine, who are not as comfortable blindsiding innocent bystanders with questions. I'm always in awe of those who will overcome what is personally difficult and challenging to advance their art.
So now, off I go to track down a bungling murderer to get some advice.
Anyone know of any?