Hello everyone.
Just registered because I've seen a lot of great work from polycount.  Thing is, I'd love to begin to try to mod, but I have no idea how.  I've never worked with any programs, never compiled, and if anything I've just learned a few scripts.
I've had a few ideas on making some items for either the Scout or the Heavy, but the best I can do is express them unless I can find out some way to learn modding as a side hobby.  With all of the college work that I have to do, I figure now is a great time to learn how to make some great side grades that I think the TF2 community could enjoy.  Yes, the grades may suffer, but it's worth it to figure out something other than sin^2 +cos^2 = 1.  

So my questions are thus:
Are there any good modeling programs that are newb friendly?  If so, how much (still on a budget here)?
What are some helpful tips and hints in regards to how to make mods?
What should I look out for?  What should I look into?
Can these programs work on a 3 year old computer?  Is there a lot of resources dedicated to modding?
Well, those are my main questions.  If this is in the wrong space, I apologize.  There doesn't seem to be a new guy corner and I figured requesting help is better than lurking for a long time.