RDF, most 3D software modeling tools are not that difficult once you understand what they do and master the navigation. The principles are roughly the same. Just go slow step by step and I am sure you should be able to model basic object in 1-2 weeks. The first issue you need to consider should be compatibility with Poser. To me is a more important issue. True most of the 3D software support obj file format. But when it comes to importing poser obj into them you need to make sure body parts name and surface materials can be retained when re-exporting back to Poser otherwise hell lot of time regrouping and surfacing all over again. After all an object file does not comes to live in Poser unless you group them, UV them and texture them. I have Lightwave 7 and discovered that it screw up all the body parts when Poser reimport the modified object file. Later on I learn that I should upgrade to LW 7.5. However my personal preference is still LW7.5. With LW7.5 go get the book "Inside Lightwave 7.0" available at Amazon.com and you will be up and running in no time. For texturing I agree that you get better control, when using a template rather than painting directly onto the 3D model. Morever, using 2D paint program and UVMapper by Steve Cox (Free demo program available at Renderosity) will build your understanding on basic surface texturing. Hope my modest experience while still trying to learn the basic help in your quest.