Define what sort of touring you are planning.
Credit Card touring doesnt require much in the way of actual gear. You are mostly carrying your clothes and bath items and staying in hotels. You can get away with more of a Sport bike since you will not be carrying a lot of weight and doent need very large panniers.

Full blown unsuported touring is where you really need to consider a full blown touring bike. It will be heavier as a full touring bike will have thicker tubing, stronger wheels, stretched out frame. The geometry will be such that front racks will be able to handle more weight.

No offense but a LOT of bicycle sales people really try to push their preferences onto the customer and that tends to be towards racing bikes. There is NOTHING wrong with using a Touring bike as an every day bike. Yes its a little more weight but its in stronger wheels, stronger frame. It will take a lot more commuting abuse as a result The only time it will be a negative is if you are trying to be competitive racer. If you are wanting to participate in benefit rides, Socials a Touring bike is perfect.

Now I'm a cheap skate and willing to wait for the right bike to show up on the used market. I'm riding a T700 Cannondale that I bought Used for $250 and did some upgrades including used STI brifters and 105 Derailleurs. Some quick math I have roughly $500 in it not counting the VeloOrange bag, Brooks and the front rack (its style thing and I paid a premium for it) and the AirZound. Normally the rear rack is off in the summer. I change cranks and wheels for loaded touring. As pictures it set up more for fast commute.
$250 for bike in stock form with bar end shift.
$100 for used brifters, Derailerus and cranks.
$30 for Topeak Explorer rack on sale
$30 for 11-28 Cassette
$50 for Planet bike lights on sale.
$35 for the fenders on sale
$495

EDIT: Forgot the Saddle
Brooks Saddle was a Gift from the wife found used for $80. The Surfas Saddle that was on it was a nice rider.