Just looking at some of your choices. The Epiphone Les Paul Special II runs about $169.00 at GC
Epiphone Les Paul Special II Electric Guitar and more Solid Body Electric Guitars at GuitarCenter.com..
Throw in a microcube for $125 and you are only out $294. And you have a much better amp IMHO.
With a budget of $500 I would look at upgrading my choice of guitar a little and going with a better amp. Not real keen on value packs,,,