The best way to start is to get as many demos of these apps as possible and see what fits you. Since 3DSMax and Lightwave are out, that means C4D and Maya are out. Though, you may be able to get "educational" versions under the right circumstances or purchase second-hand (most of these allow license transfer). AMAPI 3D, Bryce, Carrara, TrueSpace, Wings3D are all inexpensive modeling apps. Rhino is slight more expensive, but I hear it is a great modeling app using NURBS. Remember, try before you buy!!

C makes it easy to shoot yourself in the foot. C++ makes it harder, but when you do, you blow your whole leg off.

 -- Bjarne Stroustrup

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