I've decided to build a character for HC mode who will focus mostly on melee and survival with things like lockpicking/science/repair/medicine/speech/energy weps playing backup roles. Just starting out now and I'm curious as to where I can get some good armor that isn't too heavy right now I have the lightweight metal armor but I lost 1 agl and it weigh 20pds but it has 12DT. I've always wanted to use merc outfits but the DT on them svcks so much i've never believed it is worth the +2 or so boost to other skills. ANy thoughts on where and what I can do with my armor?

-1 Agility isn't much IMO.

12 DT certainly outweights the -1 Agility early on, especially if you're going melee.. Once you've acquired your first Leather Armor, Reinforced or the Space Suit, you can ditch the metal armor and never look back.

Just do the shootout quest in Goodsprings and get a suit of leather armor for free.

When leaving Novac towards Bolder City on that highway, you will encounter some Viper Gunslingers just before El Dorabo(spelling) Gas Station, behind a big billboard sign. One of them always wears Leather Armor, Reinforced. Its a good starting amror, especially if you are going the light route. Also the chinese stealth armor in Hoover Dam is pretty good too, more DT then the leather armor, and you get +5 sneak on top of that. If you have Honest Hearts, and beat it. You get Joshua Graham's armor and its light, 15 DT and only weighs 8 pounds. Has to be one of the best armors in the game when you factor in the weight for it.

I would say JG Armour is THE best Light armour (so far) if you factor in weight. While Sierra Madre Armour, reinforce does have 3 more DT, also weights 9lb more.

Leather and reinforced leather are the best options early on.
If you want heavier protection, the best next thing to do is to head straight north of the Grub 'n Gulp trading station...