[quote=@pteroform]
Okay, so the dude I am writing is a former vice cop, and the way I imagined it his only remarkable skill / specialty is the informal network of contacts, informants, and people who owe him a favour he built up in his years there. I like the idea, but I can definitely see why giving my character established relationships with a bunch of hypothetical NPCs would be a no-no.
[/quote]

I was actually going to ask the same thing (see: my CS). I have information, experience and a reputation of trustworthiness. I assumed I'd contact the GM to see if my character knew information or if he didn't; if he knew people, or places, or if he didn't. So, yeah, I kind of have a similar question.

Also, welcome to the Guild!