If you have the time, you can do comps with Microsoft Excel, or Access.

Most programs I've come across are either web based or use Microsoft excel.

Now, as Alex said above, when you're starting your business from scratch with no money, you may have to do the lower-cost tasks yourself (even Bill Gates started Microsoft as the sole employee, doing all the sales and code development himself).

We have a strong rental market - especially in certain areas, like my condo right across the street from some of the Microsoft offices.

Microsoft actually uses Pictometry for their Bird's Eye View in their map program however if you subscribe to their service you'll get the most updated picture versus an old one.

Imagine had Bill Gates decided to do the filing in his office when he was still in Microsoft instead of hiring a secretary...he probably won't be the richest man today.Leverage is the key to wealth.But if you want to exchange one rat race (your JOB) with another (being your own contractor and handyman), by all means continue to swing the hammer.

I've used LibreOffice and Microsoft, having very recently migrated back to Microsoft.

They assured me they work with Microsoft all the time etc.

Skype is the main player especially with Microsoft funding their operations.

I'm getting a lot of experience in the Microsoft Suite products, as well as contract reviews and memo writing.