Is the Nikon D7100 a decent semi-pro camera? Is now a good time to buy, or should I wait?

I used to work in a university communications office and shot semi-pro photos for our web and print materials with a Nikon D800 and lots of nice/expensive glass. (Sigh... it was a pretty sweet deal.) Since moving on from that job, I am cameraless -- but would love to take steps to change that, staying as close to the D800 specs as I can but without breaking the bank.

According to my research, the Nikon D7100 is the "best" semi-pro camera I can find within within my current price range (under $1,000 for a body and kit lens).

My questions:

• Can you confirm/deny that the D7100 is semi-pro?
• Is the D7100 really the best deal out there (for <$1000), or is there a better one?
• Is now an okay time to buy the D7100? (I would hate to see it drop in price next month.)

Thanks!