I have a shit load of videos on my channel. I'm not amazing, but i'm trying. Check it out, theres a lot of random Loomis stuff if anyone is interested. YouTube - Warchest1's Channel
Just remember that you can do anything you want to if you put your mind to it. I suggest you look into some of Michael Angelo Batio's Speed Kills dvds, tons of great alternate picking excersises in there, as well as tips and advice. Download speed kills 3 and you're on the right track.
For me, as of about a week now, it's Awaken The Stone King by Keith Merrow. Fuckin unreal riffing in that song.. And for a long time now it's be 42147 by Nevermore. <3
I have the Loomis7 and I love it, other than the fact that the black hardware started to fade on my Floyd about two weeks after I got it.. Such a fucking piss off. It's a good 7 string overall though, and is around your price range.
This whole album is awesome. Absolutely digging every song, riffing is incredible. I think everyone needs to give it a couple listens.. cuz it will grow on you