I want a 9mm for around 400. I've been looking for about a month now. A lot of people are asking too much for used sub2000's. I'll wait for the right deal
I picked up some 22 mini mags and stingers at walmart in plainfield the other day. They had quite a bit. Hopefully this is the new normal and the prices come down a bit!
From what I've read, there are a lot of people that like the RIA and ATI 1911's. Never shot one but I bet it will serve you fine. If you can find a Ruger for an extra $100 though I would go that route.
Definitely build. I went PSA and it is a great gun. Shoots great and only cost us $500 with a vortex strikefire red dot. That was a black friday deal a few years back but they still have great deals and you can customize it as needed.