You can stay within your budget even with Axiom Speakers with the following setup:
3 x M22s for the fronts (a centre vertical M22 if you have the room will provide the best soundstage across the front with your L & R M22s)
2 x M2s for the surrounds
At the factory outlet, this will cost $837.9 (with the included total %15 off)
If you don't have the room for a vertically standing speaker for a centre channel. I would just buy a 4.1 system for now and buy the VP150 later when you can afford it (its $200 more to the total).
For the sub, I would go with SVS 20-39 PCi cylinder sub (best bang for your buck at SVS) which will give you pretty good SPL in your room size. Your total will be around $1500.
Happy hunting!
