Polyanna

Hi all, I am thinking about starting up an online business and have been looking into website building software that I could use myself. However the more I think about what I want from the site the more complicated it is getting and there are aspects which I know would be beyond my skills. I am wondering if I can start building parts of the more basic aspects of the site whilst leaving some of the more complex parts to a professional to reduce production costs. If so is there a software package which would be most compatible with the kind of software that a professional would use. E.g. Could I use dreamweaver? What package do most pros use to set up secure emailing etc.? And are these compatible with each other? I don't want to start building anything if it is a waste of time but at the same time I would like to keep my costs down. Also what package would anyone suggest for me to start building the site with? Would it be dreamweaver? Essentially the more complex areas I am looking to incorporate is a membership log in so that members can message each other, a payment method, and an instant messenger section. Any advice would be great. Thank you! Polyanna.