Hello BoomSlang,
This in my opinion would be an ideal package for your environment.

Traxxas E-Maxx
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXVS28**&P=ML
Superbrain 977
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXLCJ6&P=ML
Batteries (6)
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXMCZ0&P=7
CVD's (2)
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXUR79&P=7

That is $861 INCLUDING batteries, you said your budget didn't include your batteries. In my opinion you cannot beat this truck for what you will be doing, you will have SO much fun. For an extra $95 we can throw in an extra charger to make sure you always have batteries charged. If you would like a few hop ups I reccomend these
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXVV08&P=ML
and these
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXBPD3&P=7
these (front)
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXVV00&P=ML
(rear)
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXAMZ1&P=7

You would absolutely LOVE this setup.