I was in much the same position as you a few years ago and I was seriously considering a high end factory instrument. I wanted the guitar of my dreams now and I wouldn't wait. Then a stumbled on a handmade one-of-a-kind flat-top built by some guy who'd been building such things for 25 years. I was totally converted. Instead of buying the one I played in the shop however, I went straight to the luthier himself and had one custom made. Not only did I have to wait a little longer, about 9 months, I didn't end up spending any more cash than I orginally intended. Not all luthiers are this fast or this reasonably priced, but many are, and their instruments excel. Given your price range, this would be a very good consideration for you.

Either way you go, and I can still support you buying a Martin, trust your ears, your hands, and your heart. But shop around, because there's lots of virtually identical looking guitars out there which vary greatly in sound characteristics, regardless of the type of bracing. Don't forget the hardshell case and gigbag.

Previous advice here in Mudcatville is good. Try talking to Stanley Jay at Mandolin Bros. (New York) and the good folks at Elderly (Lansing, Michigan) for personal advice too.

Let us know what you end up buying. Mooh.