So I'm in a couple of leagues and for the most part, I understand how the scouting works, however, I currently keep my advance scouting around 12 to 14.  If I don't do a lot of trades, would it be worth my while to drop it down to zero? 

Does my advance scouting only work on what I can see on other teams? Or is it my projections on my team as well? If so, would I be trading blind and not seeing my full potential of what I've got and thus getting lost even further in the weeds with advance scouting.

There is always 5 to 8 owners now in any league I'm in that runs at zero for advance scouting.  The money really could be used somewhere else, just wondering how owners get it to work with a balance?

Any thoughts or insight would be helpful

>> Does my advance scouting only work on what I can see on other teams? Or is it my projections on my team as well? <<

Yes and yes.

The reason many GMs go with 0 ADV is because they think once they've seen 1-2 seasons of development they can predict how players will turn out within a few points per rating, making ADV not worth the investment. As you said, the money can be spend somewhere else.

For players who were drafted 1-2 seasons ago, a higher ADV gives better info.  Up to you if that's worth the investment.

I use it.  Do OK.

ADV is only worthwhile if you're trading a lot for young players.  I find it useless myself so minimize costs as much as  possible.