Thanks Dave. I'll check out the EQ & Comp. The more I'm playing with Reaper tonight, the more I think I've made the right choice.

Probably won't need any amp/cab sims as I have some really nice amps that I run direct (Fender Tonemaster Deluxe Reverb and Roland Blues Cube Artist). If I can't get the sounds I need out out those I should just quit now!
I also have a Joyo American Sound amp sim pedal (Tech 21 Blonde clone) . That also sounds great and hard to beat for $59AU.