| Yeah, no real reason not to do pre-vis in whatever 3D package you're most comfortable with.
As far as engines/editors go, you'll get pretty mixed opinions but I've always found Unreal to be the easiest and most complete overall toolset to learn (doesn't mean it's the best engine or anywhere near perfect as an editor, it's just got most the bases covered). Hammer (Half-Life 2) is pretty solid for doing non-organic interiors, and CryEngine 2 is great for making outdoor areas (terrain and islands). Editors generally do best with whatever the games they belong to do best.
You'll get even more divided opinions about 3D packages. 3DS Max and Maya are the main two industry standards, but I can't stand modeling in either. It's often very much about what you learn first, and it's usually easiest to learn something that you can get help from someone in person with. So if you're planning on learning 3D, I'd say go with whatever you have the best local resources for (make friends with someone who knows what they're doing).
That was sort of a tangent, but it relates well enough to level design! | 