Hi-points are cheap done "right" though. They are basically made out of lower quality materials to keep the price point down, but they are made using larger amounts of said material to make up the strength. That makes them big and clunky, but they are functional. It's the type of weapon that simply works, ergonomics and use friendly design be damned. I would rather have a Hi-point than nothing at all.
That said, if I only had a limited budget I would go to my local used gun broker and pick up a retired/refurbished police service pistol. aka an old M&P or Glock that may have some wear on the finish, but still functions just fine. Worn parts can be replaced. Or, I would look for just good used deals or new blem discounts. I picked up my IWI Masada 9mm for $300 because it had a tiny scratch on the slide rail on the inside of the slide and was missing the extra mag it was supposed to come with. A new mag from IWI was $25, but i got an additional $50 off simply because it was missing. Effectively getting it for almost half off because of a flaw you would never see that doesn't affect the function at all and a missing mag that was easy to order online and replace. I love my Masada too. It's a great basic 9mm service pistol.