You don't have to spend a fortune in this day and age to buy a very good instrument. If you're following my suggestion that you begin on a nylon string guitar, a few hundred dollars will buy you a fine instrument to start out on. The more you can afford, of course, the better guitar you'll take home with you. Remember, the better the instrument, the longer you'll have it. Don't worry too much about brand.
Guitars are very individual.
You can find a gem of a guitar of unknown brand, and conversely a dog of a well know brand. This is one of the least important factors to consider. It's easy enough to sight down the length of the neck. It should be dead straight. If you see any kind of bowing, twisting or warping, forget it.