Still i am a little unclear in some areas so i hope you guys can clearsome areas up for me.So, that is what i'd like to do, but before i even try to get into that field, iwill most likely try scouting(bird dogging) properties as that seems easier for now.

I'm more interested in commercial REI.I don't mind starting as a scout.

I'd also poke around and subscribe to some blogs (like Jon Crosby's) and get a twitter account to scout out what others may be doing.  

Looking at neighborhood scout, I didn't see the information you pasted, but a high vacancy rate seems like a red flag to me, especially if you plan to raise rents for most/all of your value-add strategy.

Er, also known as scouting/dealing.

Also, if anyone is interested in South American real estate investing but lives elsewhere, let me know if you would like for me to do scouting/analysis of properties/areas.

I'll be heading up there early Sept to scout some properties and then will be making trips a couple times a month.

Especially the bird-dogging since I can only do so much property scouting from overseas and I am certain that I am missing deals.I am a little nervous about turning everything over to one company though.

It is wise to take your time and scout out the possibilities.

So over the next couple of weeks I plan to scout out and apply with a local lender.