I'm  ready to get a crossbow for white tail hunting. I don't know much about them though. What recommendations do you have for a good crossbow for under$1000?

I use an excalibur micro 335, recurve crossbows are simple, no cables, cams or pulleys to break or go out of tune.  And they are lightweight, narrow and well balanced and you can decock without shooting an arrow.  You can change the string yourself if u need too.

I bought my crossbow online from Walnut Creek Archery and assembled it myself, no need for a bow shop. If you're hunting deer, you don't need 500 feet per second, anything over 300 is just fine. I'm shot deer out to 55 yards and achieved pass through.

The complete package was around $750.

I don't think there is a "best", only our favorites.  The Excalibur recurves bows are good ones.  They're simple to use and maintain, but normally louder and wider than compound crossbows.  They may or may not be a disadvantage to you.   Horton and Wicked Ridge are both owned by Tenpoint and some very good bows at less than Tenpoint prices.  These are just a few that I have experience with.

Saw some decent reviews on these. I just bought a Ravin R20 which is a bit past your budget.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/hunting/archery/crossbows-accessories/crossbows/pc/104791680/c/104693580/sc/333154080/i/103854780/killer-instinct-xbow-package-ripper/3193315.uts?slotId=3

I picked up one of these. Fast, accurate, well balanced.
Wicked Ridge RDX400