Missions & Complexes

i regulary scan for sites in low sec. You just need the skill cloaking at level 1 to equip a normal cloaking device.
So to be safe while scanning : when entering a new solar system, prepare a safe spot* in the middle of nowhere if you don't already have one, then warp there, launch all your probes and cloak. then you can scan quietly.
The only time you be more vulnerable will be while doing the sites themselves, because someone else can scan it too and jump there too... just be always ready to warp to your safe point, and apply the usual safety technics for low sec : inspect who's in local, use your directionnal scanner to detect probes which are not yours, and be always ready to escape.

Good luck and have fun :)

*from evelopedia : 'Random' Safe Spot

This type of bookmark includes those that are positioned anywhere in the system in between celestial objects. Potential uses include:

A place to hide if hostiles are hunting for you.
A storage location for secure containers.

It is important to remember that this type of safe spot are NOT entirely safe. In fact a well trained prober can find you in under 30 seconds if they are lucky.

The best way to make this type of bookmark is to open your solar system map, and then follow these steps:

Warp from your current position to another celestial object in the system, and while still warping create a bookmark. Call this bookmark Spot 1.
Locate a different celestial object, and be sure that it is not on the same vector that you just came from. Warp to this object, and again while still in warp create a bookmark. Call this bookmark Spot 2.
Warp back to Spot 1.
Warp to Spot 2, and again take a bookmark in the middle of this journey. Call this bookmark Spot 3.
You are now the proud owner of a "Random" Safe Spot providing Spot 3 is not positioned on any of the lines between celestial objects in this system.

Remember the best "Random" Safe Spots are as far away from any celestial objects in the system as possible.

- Scan DSCAN for probes and ships every 15-30secs. Sounds like a lot but could save your life.
- If a ships on scan but your not sure where it is (IE not seen probes) lower DSCAN range to scan the plex.
- Align out is always a good idea and burn away from the entry point.
- If you have space tags/ammo you can drop a jet can at the warpin point to try decloaking any cloaky ships trying to enter the plex.

- If you can fly a tengu or other t3, setup your standard plex then switch out the offensive subsystem for a covert use this to get around, then simply dock up and change the sub when you find a plex. (Stations are pretty regular in low). Yes this means less space in your cargo for the mods (50m3 + whatever mods you need to get your plex fit up). But it saves flying around without a cloak.

This should get you started.

As for a corp I am in the process of setting up a exploration corp for null. Drop me a line if interested.

In gated complexes it has actually become safer when they introduced the new warp-to-jump mechanics while cloaked (at least that's what i think is the cause), because people cannot really use acceleration gates anymore without getting decloaked [and tbh i don't know if i should like how it is now ... used to be you could get in sites while still being cloaked and i would actually applaud people for sneaking up on me that way].
So you work your dscan and/or have someone sitting in view range of the acceleration gate and you will see when people get in.

Other than what's already been mentioned: get out there and get the hang of it. Nothing beats learning from actual actions, even if you make mistakes. Take something cheaper first, even if it means you can't run every site.

Another tip: for gated sites, as soon as you land after warping in, eject 1 unit of ammo (or anything expendable): the jet can will uncloak anyone who tries to warp in cloaked.

You docloak if you come 2000m near the gate. The warin beacon does not decloak you anymore.
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@OP
I run 4/10 and 5/10 DED compatsites in angelspace with my Arty Sleipnir and a Offgrid alt for scanning and sometimes boosting.
I think you don't need a cloak if you have an cloaky alt for probing and scouting.
A CoverOps Cloak can be usefull at gates, but that limits the ships you can use. (And gimps you dps)

Before i did it everyone i asked was like "Oh noes, don't use a sleip!!11 It's bad use a tengu!11"
But it did work out fine, just do your thing and make your own experience.
It's a game, play it your way.

Yup this! As I said in my post.

They can cloak on warp BUT if you they miss the cloak by even a second if your in the room they warpin to then you can see them cloak!