Looking for ideas about renting in or near Milan as base to do tours and maybe hire driver as guide during our stay.
I'm not sure exactly what want to accomplish on this trip. More details will get a better response.
How long are you looking to stay, both in the Milan area and for the total trip? Are you thinking of an apartment or house? Also, remember Milan is a big city, and while there are places within daytrip distance (Bergamo, towns on Lake Como, etc), you may do better basing yourself where you want to be, rather than fighting traffic in the Milan area.
As for a driver and guide, that could be expensive, but may be worthwhile depending on your goals. Or, you may do fine with a rental car, or trains and buses.
So, if you can tell more about the whole trip, who is coming, what your budget is, what your goals are, etc. we can give better help.