If it is your first 1911 then I say start with a norc. Here is why:
To appreciate what a 1911 is you must learn what it isn't. If you start with a les baer you will love it, but not as fully as if you had taken your time moving up the foodchain. When it comes to 1911 I encourage people to work their way up.
Also, along the same lines, for 1200 you could customize a norc as you learn what you like and don't like and it will be a vast improvement over a stock 1911 that is 1200 or under. Imho. Downside: you can't resell the customized norc for near what it costs you to build. I have one I am into for about 1100 and I will be very lucky to get 750 for it. Most likely I will just keep it as it is doubtful others would value the improvements the same way whereas my vbob could probably be sold tomorrow for 50 bucks less than I paid.