I"ll make this brief as there are enough responses.
If example as noted above is helpful then , my experience which isn’t always for everyone ( depending on what you have ready to implement for various reasons) , was to just dig into level creation, as was also noted above, and I concur 100%.
I did this and as the world took form, so did the storyline.
It was clear enough from the beginning for me, but creating, fueled, by creativity.
Depending on your cashflow, I sincerely sticking with what is proven, solid , has great docs and a proven track record.
THis may not apply to everyone, but my experience and it is not, as desired it not be, isn’t this vs that, its what I would buy right now, if I had the funds ( working on that).
I judge a product on its ‘totality’ of usability, userbase and features.
I see nothing out there as efficient and ‘fast’ as in using it ( no lag , smooth movement in viewport, always no matter what mode I’m in ) as Maya , but if money is really no blocking point you might find max the more efficient route, try both ( obviously there are demo’s for both).
In a ‘perfect world’ , these apps would be available and no entry point that is a stumbling block would ever apply and all apps would compete on a even basis and you would go with whichever one fulfilled your purpose 
Ue4 is basically at that point so its one less thing you need to worry about, and I"ve tried them all I can firmly recommend it based on the complete feature set and I mean landscape tools among others , are superior to all , and I’m picky as are our needs.
If you have the time as noted , definitely try them all and decide but if time is a issue I don’t think you’d ever for one second regret going the ue4 route.
My opinion on Maya ( LT if amazing if ‘full’ maya is beyond your finances, god knows it is mine) is its handled every massive mesh I"ve thrown at it with literal ease and that’s huge for me( maybe not for you) and now, it will export all your creations into ue4 with no restriction , as before there was and the monthly pricetag is within reach of most.
It might sound like I’m a spokesman for Autodesk, but I don’t need to be as their product in this case does the necessary talking.
To reiterate, this isn’t app that vs this, its a decision I’ve come to based on experience with all of them so take this info in that light only.
I can be reached at anytime if you need for further conversation. We all got there on the backs of someone so why not-
GL