In that case you might try stuff like blender (freeware), maybe even milkshape, at least for the export/import functions of any formats out there including md2.
Hmm..can't think of any decent tutorial but if you search something along the line of 'low poly modeling', you'll certainly find some good stuff out there.
In case you want it all, go with Max, takes some time to adjust to the interface but in the end it's worth poking about.