Head to your LBS and ride, ride, ride. See if you can find a deal on an '06 or earlier bike. I got an '06 C'dale R800se (CAAD8) for ~$1k. Now is a good time to find some deals (although it is getting a little thin).
I wouldn't even consider buying online for a first bike. If you know the material and geometry already then it is fine. If not you could be setting yourself up for some trouble.
I'm going to plug your LBS again. Example: when shopping for a bike I was automatically looking for a ~63cm frame. That is what I rode before. I watched ebay and visited local shops. I ended up on a 60cm frame with a relatively short stem. The LBS spent an hour fitting me to the bike. The difference in comfort from my previous bike is amazing. Fit is everything!
Good luck!