For your purpose, you would be better off with a 1990s rigid frame MTB. They accommodate fenders, racks, etc., they are just about bullet proof, can take a beating, have good brakes, and are cheap.
You are really bottom feeding at that price range when you are looking for a road bike. No surprise you are seeing old department store junk in general. Pretty much any vintage bike is going to take money to get it ready to go in the type of service you are talking about.