Now
I'll be the first to admit that I am the biggest noob when it comes to this stuff, but I love the software so far. I have went through most of the tutorials but I can't find one for making models from pictures. I'm talking about taking a picture file and turning it into a model or w/e. I was hoping someone could point me in the direction of a tutorial for this or just plain help me out

Thanks,
RJ

Not easy with MED alone. You might look for a tool to help you out in the tools section. (for example ImageSculpter)

cheers

Or, you could use a decent modeling application.
Some I can think of straight from the top of my head

-3d studio max (I'd suggest this if you can afford it or gmax which is basically a free version of 3dmax)
-gmax
-maya
-softimage xsi
-bender
-lightwave
-milkshape 3d (mh .. thats not really decent ;P)

You're talking about making models using blueprints. I dont recommend using MED to create models when there are also free tools like Blender/Anim8or that have more tools to create models.

I use 3DS MAX for my models and loading blueprints and modelling (poly-modelling/NURBS) is very easy if you have the right sized and quality blueprints.

First find yourself a modelling program that you are comfortable with - like creating models from basic shapes/primitives and then start moving onto the more advanced modelling like poly-modelling.

i prefer lightwave

I am using Sketchup free version and I think Sketchup is AMAZING ! and very fast. I recomend getting a "sketchup for dummies" book and immerse yourself in it. I've used a lot of 3D programs and it's hard to beat Sketchup for quick architectural models. The free version (I use v.5) is limited on export file formats but you can export to Flux 3D which is another cool 3D program. Sketchup Version 6 added a feature called "photo match" which let's you model from a photo with even more features. The pro version of Sketchup lets you export with more file formats but it's expensive at around $495 american dollars. But I say if you are a limited newbie like me, use the free version to do all your modeling, then when done, open them with a pro version demo that lets you use it for eight hours of time with full features and save and export unlocked but after the eigth hours, it goes into disable mode.
Also cool about Sketchup is you can import terrains from anywhere in the earth via google earth , but admittedly they are not highly detailed terrains, only basic.

I use MED and have no probs whatsoever with it
I am amazed at the money you lot have to get such expensive high end apps as you mention ( barring SketchUp of course)as it wouldnt do you much good if you used the edu versions and became successful as each apps models are distinctive to themselves and can actually be identified despite file converters due to their wires.

What I like about MED is that I own it outright

Heres a MED model built with a background image.