I got my Escort a few months back for $875 shipped from a dealer on Gunbroker. Retail is over $1K but you may be able to find one under that. It's a great pistol.
If I could add a couple bills I'd get the Shadow (assuming I didn't have the one I carry now). It has night sights standard, and they are set into a channel in the top of the slide to reduce their profile and make them less likely to snag on something.
If someone gave me the money I would buy the Rohrbaugh 9mm in a heartbeat. From every thing I have seen and read, this would be my CC purchase. I have recently made the decision to go with a Glock 36 for my EDC but I still love the 9mm and this would be a Great Gun to have for that special time that a deep concealment is required. I am thinking of selling my SA Colt 45, second generation and using the money to buy this gun or I just might put some money down on lay away. Someday I will have one!
I'd buy a Glock (model and caliber to your taste) and as much ammo for it as the money left would buy. Then I'd shoot it all in a couple weeks learning the gun and it's trigger.
I'd wait a few days and test fire Ruger's new LC9 when it is released and arrives at your local gun shop. And, you'll have lots of money left over to buy ammo.