Pointers and tips please

Hi

I am trying out WordPress (And laying off joomla) to see if this is the solution for me.

I want to create a website that meets certain requirements and i was hoping that you guys could point me in the right direction.

I want to create a website where users (For free) can create a profile with their company, a picture, check off specific criteria i define, and a small text about themselves.

This will result in several retailers with profiles on the website.

These profiles should then be searchable via. the criteria the retailers have put in themselves.

Do any of you guys have experience with certain plug-ins or other sites i should check out?

Hope you can help.