+ Explore the area as much as possible.
+ Look around for breakable/lootable stuff like vases, chests, etc.
"It's better to have an inventory full with crap you won't need than an inventory barely filled with anything needed. Who knows, you might get a key item that would save you from coming back there later in the game."
+ Don't leave loot lying around.
"That old guy won't mind if you stole his $300 that was lying on the table, broke his expensive vases, threaten his wife with a flamethrower, and leave just like that. He's totally cool with it."
+ If you encounter a cut scene, you're going the right way.
"Blah, blah, blah, we've got company, blah, blah, blah, get to the roof...man, this is cut scene is taking forever. What is this, a short film? There we go. Now, fin--AW NO, A LOADING SCREEN! *waits* Is...it...finally--aaand it's another cut scene."