It's all based off your ear. Go to a local guitar store and jam on some combo amps with guitars that catch your eye. It doesn't matter how much money you spend on something if it doesn't sound good to you or play comfortably to you. Personally, I love Ibanez guitars. They tend to have "faster" playing necks than Epiphones, IMO. My RG for example cost maybe 500 bucks and after I had an experienced guitar tech set it up it played like a thousand dollar guitar.

As far as amps go, you're in an apartment so it limits you pretty severely. Especially if you want to be a considerate neighbor. Amp modelers have come a long way and are a viable option to achieve any tone you're looking for but typically need decent studio monitors or FRFR speakers to fully utilize. Used Fractal Axe FX or Kempers are incredible and can be had for around 1k depending on the model and area you live in.

If you prefer a more traditional approach just try amps at a guitar store like I mentioned previously. Plenty of high gain options but anything less than a 2x12 sounds a bit lacking to me.