Painting - Exterior House Paint

I have a 2600-square foot house/3-car garage with fairly new cedar siding. I absolutely detest the color of my house (an ugly beige with medium-brown trim), so we'll be painting this summer.

Can anyone recommend what paint products I should use? Also, with a house of this size, can anyone roughly estimate the number of gallons it will take?

Lastly, if I end up hiring someone to do it, what do you think is a ballpark hourly rate I should expect to pay? I just want to have some kind of range in my mind as I think upon my finances.

Thanks! :)

what paint products I should use?
This depends on the look you want, as in a new stain, or a semi-transparent stain, or a solid color.
roughly estimate the number of gallons it will take?
Can't be done with the info given. 2600sq ft is the total floor space, but doesn't reflect what the actual surface area to be painted is.
what do you think is a ballpark hourly rate I should expect to pay?
Most quality contractors will charge between $30-$50 per hour. Anything below that, check references/insurance/license to be sure.

Thanks for the response, prowallguy.