BootsnAll Insiders

Hi folks, am an Australian resident planning the great road trip across the southern states but cannot seem to work out how to get a good deal (what are the pitfalls to ferret out!!? ) but cannot get hire companies to give me a comprehensive ( no hidden costs) online.
Am hoping to find all the little gin joints to see as much live music as possible ( blues/jazz) on the way.
Any tips on either topic? Thanks