Advice Please

I have spent hours - days? - looking for a database program to use for a new internet based real estate advertising company.

Most of the RE CRM programs I have investigated offer far more than what we need as we will be advertising only, no sales so no need for tracking contracts, salespeople, etc. These programs offer little in the way of being able to customize.

Zoho seems to offer what we need - with a few questions to be answered -

First, I have extensive computer, webdesign, etc. skills but NO database knowledge (did play around with Access years ago but dropped that :) - is it realistic of me to think that I can use Zoho and design what we need - forms for customers wishing to advertise with us to fill out with all the info one would use to list a property with a Realtor and a way for someone wishing to find a property to check off what they are looking for and be delivered a list of properties that fit their criteria as well as our back office needs for billing, etc.?

Second, I see that Zoho has additional cost over and above the prices shown - i.e., Zoho Books - is there a list somewhere that one can check out to see just what their final cost might be?

Third, is Zoho based on force.com/salesforce.com and, if not, what degree of security, backup and overall capabilities of protection and reliability do they have?

Tks for your time and help - jb