Billy,
If your budget is 800 bucks get yourself a production pistol, maybe a Glock22 and start shooting production first. It is a cheaper division to shoot then Standard, unless you are in for fun and not competing.
First year or so learn the ropes of the sport and see what would fit your type of shooting and yourself. Try different guns, from guys like me or others and form your own opinion. This sport cost me more then I want to admit and unfortunately I went wrong way. I started with bad choice pistols till I get to my first STI Edge. In my opinion one of best what it is as a Standard Div is concern, however there are more choices which are more pricey.
Another root to go and probably very good one is to find a friend

who is a good Standard shooter and talk to him. See what kind of gear he is using....
If you go Production route then imo it will cost you at least 50% or more then that.
Another option to consider is to wait till GA in Greece decides on new Classic Div, which is a single stack division primarily based on 1911 design. Then you can go with STI single stack 9m or .40SW and compete in this new division which I can see will be very popular in Canada.
Good Luck