I was in the same situation you are now. In November my wifey gave me an allowance of $1400 and said go get your tin boat....here I am now and just a week ago I finally picked up my boat. I scanned CL and the local area for months. You have to be patient on this purchase, because you are probably stuck with it for the next 2-5 years or at least that is what I have planned. After all my searching I found a my set-up.....and I got everything for $860, boat, motor, TM, trailer. Remember that you will need about 150-200 for DMV and all the other misc items too, i.e. air horn, life jackets, fire ex, anchor, line, truck hitch, etc.
Good luck with your search, but dont rush it.