Took a quick look at Craigslist for Tulsa. (I'm not advocating or recommending anything here, just providing some fodder for thought.)
There's a listing for a Jet 1442, which gets you variable speed via a Reeves drive, for $950.
Also a Vega lathe for $1000 OBO, but Vega's are special in some way, if I recall correctly.
And a Jet 1642, which would be an ideal lathe for you, for $1500, but it's near Kansas City and more than you planned to spend.
There's a Delta/Rockwell, which would be 12" and probably not variable speed but were the favorite lathe of Montana's most capable turner, in Wichita for $550.
I spent about 18 months keeping my eyes peeled and inquiring of regional clubs before I found just the right lathe at the right price (in Billings, ironically). If you gotta have what you want and have a firm limit on price, it will take time, but eventually you'll probably find the right one. If you liked the Nova 3000, a used DVR model would work well for you, though it might not make your price point.