The touring bike I like would cost 4k and is more than I can afford.

Dunno who told you that but there are many tpuring bikes way under $4000. Hell,
I'd buyild you one for $2500 that would make you the envy of every tour you
went on.
For starters, a Bruce Gordom BLT with racks is about $1850 and they don't get
any more touring than that.
www.bgcycles.com
Phil Brown