Even if it's obscure, if it has a proven track record and is highly rated (as you say) don't worry that you're the only audiophool who knows about it. It may not sell fast, but it will go. My Audion Sterling integrated took awhile, but some lucky audiophool is grooving right now. And Sterling is not one of those ubiquitous brands. So that's a no as far as the resale factor goes. Sound is always my main concern.
performance vs. resale
How much does the ease of resale factor into your decision to buy a product? Many times I'm tempted to buy a piece of very interesting or highly rated equipment from a very obscure brand, but then I hesitate, knowing I may have to "eat it" when it comes to resale...have any of you been burned badly trying to re sell rare equipment ?