I would say get the 60d.
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-60D-Digi...9829961&sr=1-1
That's what I got and I LOVE IT. It's significantly better then the t2i and only slightly less of a camera then the 7d, yet only a few hundred more then the rebel. Some would even argue that they like the 60d more because of the flipscreen and audio controls.
Also, the t2i is a plastic frame (so it feels cheap), has less iso settings and not as good of a white balance system. You can usually find just the body of the 60d are about $1000 or a bit more.
But the real money pit though is lenses. When you get the camera, they will try to sell you a kit lens, or something slightly better. DON'T DO IT. The best lens to start off with is a 50mm prime lens with a 1.8 fstop. They are amazing and SO CHEAP. $120 is dirt cheap for a lens. They have incredible depth of field and are so good in low light. SO that's my advice. Get the 60d and the 50mm 1.8 Awesome affordable starter kit.