>>>> Is MS SQL your only choice?
>>We use MS SQL LocalDB on the client machine - The Linked Server feature is provides a very fast transfer of required data from the primary server to the local pc.
>
>Hmmm localDB. I think that is not suggested in production, only for developer testing. Express is a better choice IMHO.

Unless your final production or distributed SQL Server is going to be the Express version I would suggest developing using the FREE MSSQL Developer edition. Why not? It's as close to the real thing, with some exceptions, that you will need on your development machine. You can even install it at home.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/sql-server/developer-tools

I think the above link will get you there. If you have MSDN you can definitely find it there as well.