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At this point, I am really leaning towards a road bike.
Under 1k unless that is a unrealistic expectation.

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Think of a road bike like you would a race car. They are expensive and tricky. If you haven't done a lot of riding or ever ridden a "real" road bike, it might be more difficult than you think. Also, road bikes have to really fit you or you will be doing more harm than good to your body. If you end up with one, make sure someone there is qualified to setup the bike with you and don't skip this process! They should watch you ride, see your cadence, leg movement, distance to the bars, body position, cleat position, etc. and know how to adjust these things for you.

$1k is very optimistic for a road bike, even with 105 components. For everything, the minimum buy-in is probably closer to $2k when you include the bike, pedals, shoes, helmet, clothing, pump (fill tires to 100-110 psi), flat repair kit, etc. You could probably get cheapie stuff and get it down to $1500, but it would be tough.

As for a deal, just buy it at the end of the season and get last years model for any type of bike. Personally, I wouldn't like to commute on a road bike especially if I had to carry anything with me. They are just not designed for that kind of thing, and are really meant for speed.

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Let's define road bike. It's a bike that is not suitable for off-road riding. This means it has very skinny high pressure tires. It has brakes and a seat. It has 10+ gears typically. It doesn't need to cost anywhere near $2K. It can however cost that much if you want higher end equipment. It's not rocket science. The shop will choose frame size by a very simple test which involves straddling the frame and making sure there is an inch or so between the frame and your nuts. Setup involves adjusting the seat hight and the handlebar hight. Not rocket science.

Yes if you are going to compete or take on a world class training regimine then things get technically complicated. But commuting to work or getting some exercise don't fall into that category.

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No, it's not rocket science but it is very different from a hybrid or mtn bike. It sounds like you have ridden those two, but not a road bike. I used to ride mtn bikes for years before switching to road bikes, and they are completely different from the other two. You are riding something that weighs around or less than 20 lbs, turning high revolutions on skinny tires with 110 psi in them and generally in an aerodynamic position on a saddle that is very small. This, in terms of riding, is very different than an upright hybrid and is a completely different type of riding occurs on each. Even entry level road bikes are around $1k, and most don't include pedals or the shoes that go with them.

And setup does depend on frame size, seat height and handlerbar height as you say, however different bodies fit better on certain frames and stems, saddles, etc. I don't care if you are riding to work or competing, these things matter on a road bike. Fractions of an inch can mean a big difference. And without the experience you will not know how to make the proper adjustments.