Help…looking to buy turntable

For a TT I'd actually stay away from used unless you're getting a demo or open box from a dealer. Buy something new from a company that does that price point well. Personally, I'd go with a Pro-ject debut carbon evo or X1 in that range. They're a good starting spot around 1k and have some upgrade options. They come all set up so you basically drop thr platter on and play. Come with a solid cartridge and upgraded tonearm. 

Not sure what the rest of your system is but make sure you have a phono stage. If not, spend 100 on a Mani from Schitt or a phono box from pro-ject to start.

You used to be able to buy a music hall mmf-7.3 for about 1400 bucks in black with cartridge....now you will pay 2k....I’ll fourth the music hall mmf-5.3. The design has been out there for a long time and it’s a great table for the money, except for lack of button operated speed change as mentioned. For direct drive, I’d say the technics mk7....however, you will need to buy and install a cartridge.

There is also a much cheaper alternative to both, in the music hall classic turntable. It has a nice wood plinth, a uni pivot tonearm, Auto lift end of side, switchable built in preamp, electronic speed control, and a decent installed and Aligned cartridge on a removable headshell. It was $599, not sure what it is now...it often goes on sale....it is pretty astonishing what you get for that kind of money in the music hall the classic turntable. Then you will have a bunch of cash left to buy some records!

agree with others about buying new over used. I've been hearing alot of good things about the Technics 1210 GR and they hold their value on resell market.

I purchased from Underwood their LSA 2 that is made by Edwards Audio. Its [essentially] the guts of a Rega with an improved tone arm and acrylic platter.

https://www.underwoodhifi.com/products/lsa-turntables

I’m assuming your $1200 budget includes cartridge.  I would consider it wise to get the best possible TT, and then get the best possible cartridge without going overboard.  In other words, don’t put a souped-up engine in a Ford Pinto.  
The suggestions for the Music Hall Classic Seem very sound (no pun intended) to me.  It’s also a very visually appealing TT, if that matters to you.

You could install (and would have to learn how to optimally calibrate/align) say, an Ortofon Bronze cartridge on that bad boy, and, with tax, be around $1100.  You could opt for the Ortofon Blue and be around $900.

I’m only suggesting Ortofon cartridges because they seem like good bang-for-the-buck cartridges. On an old TT, I had a low-end 2m Red which, back then, retailed for about $100.  Surprisingly good cartridge.

Other posters here, I wouldn’t doubt, may have better suggestions for cartridges in, say, the $200-$500 price range.