For quality assured components and all new $800 is not enough. That is disgusting to think about and even more so to say but its true.
You can definitely get into a used 1/8e setup for less than that with quality stuff but you don't know how it was treated beforehand. Worst case scenario it was beat on so bad you end up having to spend more than new stuff costs to get it running again.
Prepare for AT LEAST $1000 to get a NIB 1/8e with everything you need. DO NOT skimp on a $30 radio as Interplanet said. 2.4s can be had for $100 these days and are worth every penny.
I would highly recommend the Slash 4x4 as well for bashing. RTR version is just fine and will cost less than $400. If you don't need waterproof sell the brushless for $150 and add another $100 for a MMM combo putting total investment at $500 so far.
Get the VXL expansion kit for $10 and a couple 4S 5000 lipos from HK for less than $125 shipped, Accuel 6w for and power supply for $50 and maybe ditch the stock servo for an XP 1015 at another $100.
This will give you a lot of great equipment, crazy fast speeds, very popular class at the track if you ever decide to go racing, and be under your $800 budget.