Presumably the existing wheels are at least rideable so you can clean them up, straighten & true if necessary and get $100 bucks for them. Decent fenders can be had for $50.

So for around $850 you get the equivalent of a new touring bike. Say $950 if you need new tires/tubes (not sure that you do). You can get a decent used LHT for that price but probably not one with $200 racks, and it might need new tires as well. Finding an equivalent 'brand new' touring bike complete with fenders, hand-laced touring wheels and hi quality racks will be almost impossible.