First, WELCOME!
IMHO, you should first attend a few shoots. You can see what equipment that they are using. $1500.00 will go far, IF you don't buy something that is not right for you.
Check out http://www.uspsa.org/ and http://www.idpa.com/. Both will list shoots in your area.
You have the time to do this.
Good Luck,
A.T.