Also, while its not not a modeling program - Daz Studio (D|S) is one of best free rendering programs I've come across. Not only does the company constantly update and upgrade this program, they also have tons of really nice free meshes to get you started.
D|S is the program I was using that got me to pony up the dough and buy Carrara.
http://www.daz3d.com/i/software/studio?_m=d