There are a number of very inexpensive guitars these days that sound great. Value is something that is hard to quantify, because it depends on too many factors. If you want to keep and enjoy your guitar, then resale has very little to do with it. If you change guitars every few months, then you want a respected brand name like Martin on the headstock.. If you want both, then I would think brand name would take priority.
Anyway, I just got an Eastman AC710 and it was inexpensive.. not cheap. It just really spoke to me and was comfortable. Resale and cost recovery will not be as easy as it would be with a Martin, but the value of this guitar lies elsewhere.
Just my musing..
