Help buying acoustic/electric guitar

Used Martin is the way I would go. Check out the X-Series. They're made from alternative materials and the models with a "1" in the model number have solid spruce tops. Those models will continue to improve tonally over the years, unlike most other guitars in that price range with laminated tops.

I would steer you toward the wonderful acoustic guitars that Godin is making up in Canada. Seagull, Simon & Patrick, and Art & Lutherie. All are great guitars, and the pickup systems are pretty good. Alternatively, you could buy a straight acoustic, and then have a luthier or technician retrofit a good pickup system that you like. I have two acoustic/electrics, and one of them is an Art & Lutherie that I put a nice pickup into, and I love it.

Be willing to look at used models, you'll get more bang for your buck if you are willing to weed through finding the right one.