also what would be the optimal looting/scavenging build?
I would've said a tough sneaker, but if you are looting you will burn through SECs quicker than any loot will compensate you for economically.
So instead I would go an outright tank;
10 5 10 1 1 10 10
Gifted, fast metabolism (or skilled instead of fast metab if you want some kind of skill)
Toughness, adrenaline rush, Critical ST, Critical AG, Critical EN, Dodger, Armor efficiency, Man of Steel.
Dump all skill points into melee IMO as it is cheap and naturally high damage but you could go SG (with shotguns) too. And just take a leather jacket (or CLJ or CLC) a couple of voodoo and your favorite weapon.
This is all purely for looting gear and getting away, not at all for fighting properly, just getting away and defending yourself.