Getting started in GIS with multi-scale project

Choosing software

Hello, I have no experience with ESRI software (or GIS), and I need your help coming up with a package. I am assembling a site study for 700+ acres in the USA. What I need to do:

1. Import data from other data bases (USGS, FEMA, DOI, USFW, etc)
2. Import images I can digitize for 2D spatial zones
3. Overlay the polygons and adjust transparency to produce a highest and best use map
4. Plot existing infrastructure and perform asset management for long-term

This looked like a useful model: http://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html...714a4171f11ba6

What I have:
Lidar
Aerials

What I can choose from:

• ArcView
• ArcGIS Publisher
• ArcGIS Spatial Analyst
• ArcGIS 3D Analyst
• ArcGIS Network Analyst
• ArcEditor

Thanks for your help!

Spidusb