A Summary of The Halachot of Selihot (extracted form Yalkut Yossef Part 5 pages 9 to18

An individual praying without a minyan may not recite the "13middot" ("Hashem Hashem Kel Rahum.") as part of his prayer. If he wishes, he may recite the pasuk with the notes("ta'amim") as if reading pesukim regularly from a Humash.(When he does this, he need not complete the entire pasuk.) Hazal say in Masechet Rosh Hashanah (17b) that the recitation of the thirteen attributes is always effective; Hashem told Moshe that when the Children of Israel/ Benei Yisrael sin, "they shall do this procedure before Me, and I will forgive them." The expression "do this procedure before Me" refers to the Midrash (Eliyahu Rabbah 24) requiring us to act in accordance with the Al-mighty's qualities. Just as He is kind and compassionate,so must we treat others in this manner. When we do this, He forgives our sins. It is therefore imperative particularly during this time of year to increase our involvement in charity and good deeds.

Similarly, the Gemara in Masechet Sotah 8b says that Hashem deals with people in the same manner in which they treat others. For those who deal with others above and beyond the strict letter of the law, with a willingness to forgive and forego on wrongdoing,then Hashem treats us in the same manner (see also Ta'anit 25b).

The Selihot, particularly Hashem's thirteen attributes, must be recited slowly and with concentration and a sense of humble submission.Those who quickly run through the final sections of Selihot act incorrectly in this regard and must change their practice. The Aramaic portions of Selihot may not be recited without the presence of a minyan.

The proper time for Selihot is from hatsot (midnight as defined by halachah) on, the period particularly suited for the acceptance of our Tefilot/Prayers . Selihot may not be recited during the first half of the night.

The Rambam writes (Hilchot Teshuvah 2:2): "What is Teshuvah/Repentance? The sinner leaves his sin, removes it from his thoughts and resolves in his heart never to do it again. He should likewise regret the past. and the Knower of all that is hidden testifies about him that he will never return to that sin again. One must verbally confess and say aloud these matters that he thought in his heart". People hit their chests while reciting the "vidduy"(confession) only to make more room for further wrongdoing. The main focus of Teshuvah must be the steadfast decision never to repeat our misdeeds.

The Gemara in Berachot 32b says that after the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash/Temple the "gates of prayer" have been closed but the "gates of tears" have remained open.