ihuntbucks - just about the best for less is the Springfield Mil-Spec 1911A1. It is just about the best 'starter' or all-around platform you can get, and if you wish to progress from there to a more sophisticated or 'tricked out' competetion piece I don't feel you can go wrong with the Springfield line of 1911s.
Right out of the box mine functioned flawlessly. I have since 'tricked' it out with a beavertail grip safety, flat mainspring housing, Chip McCormick hammer and trigger parts and an Ed Brown accuracy barrel. She breaks even at 3 pounds and groups under 2" at 25 yds with hardball. I couldn't ask for anything better and would recommend the Springfield line to you.
And, after you have shot the pistol out you can always go for a more expensive model in some other manufacturer's line, or go right on back to Springfield for one of their enhanced models.
All of this is, of course, just my opinion, but mine works just fine for me. HTH. Mikey.