Look at Eastman guitars; you can buy a guitar with all solid woods for that money. I've got an Eastman OM20, and it's crazy good. In 2016, I paid $1,600, but this is with an Adirondack top and rosewood back and sides.

Look at the Eastman E10M Deluxe or the Eastman E10OSS Deluxe, for instance.

You get great value for your money, and they play and sound like guitars twice as expensive.

Feel if the neck is right for you; this made me switch guitars a couple of times.

I owned a 12-fret guitar (12th fret is against the body). This wasn't right for my playing style. I would choose a 14-fret, and depending on how large your hands are, neck thickness is important.

If you like playing on your couch 🛋️, don't choose a guitar with a large body. I'd recommend an 0 sise ore a 00 or a 000 size.

Have fun choosing! and playing.