It kills me to say it but at that price point Nitro might be your best bet to start with.
http://cgi.ebay.com/TEAM-LOSI-8IGHT-...3A1%7C294%3A50 There's a link for a Losi 8-t and all yo would need is fuel and a couple cheap batteries, could most likely get it all for under $600
RC-Monster RC8T 1515 2.5D/MMM/5s RC-M 4500mah
SC10 MMPro 13.5T 2s NeuEnery 5000mah
RC18T Mamba 25/5400kv 2s lipo + 6s NiMh