Best pattern plane - no such animal. Lots of good choices depending on your building skills. The cover of the latest K-Factor shows Dave Lockhart with his 2 EMC pattern ships. He flies FAI and his been very successful even though the design is 'ancient' by pattern standards.
Pick an airplane you like. Build it straight, light and durable (the last 2 are NOT mutually exclusive). Put the best equipment in it you can afford - right down to the tailwheel - then practice, practice, practice. Remember: great airplanes don't make great pilots; great pilots make airplanes great.
Good Luck and enjoy!

PS there are 5 US manufacturers which can provice a kit in your price range:
Piedmont
Dick Hanson Models
PAC
Aero-Slave
..... I can't remember the last one, but I think it is owned by Lamar Blair (can anybody help me on this one)