>>>My budget is about $300 but maybe can go higher. I have a good working
>>>pc I can use for a system.
>>>
>>>Any suggestions/ideas helpful.
Try
http://www.scdlink.com. They have a HUGE number of different
cameras and systems available, including infrared, wireless and
cameras so small that 2 would fit on your finger.

Many of the cameras are significantly under $100. But you'd have to
determine if their image would be good enough for you to use to
identify someone. Though I guess if it just seemed to look like your
neighbor, that could be enough to keep him from doing any more damage
once he was confronted with the video "evidence".
Good luck!
John