Quoted from EvanDickson:You're going to have a tough time finding any salvageable system 11 for 1k. And a tough time finding any of the more fun system 11s in playable condition for 1.5k.
I was able to get my Whirlwind and Earthshaker for around $1,500 each two years ago. Both working, and both not in terrible shape, but definitely serviceable. OP, you gotta go to the shows. That's where you can find some good deals, AND play the games before you decide to pull the trigger on them.