Good recovery!
To me it would be an easy, simple choice: the old Martin will be different from anything else (save for the already mentioned high-end, but also similarly priced Timms and Kiwaya copies). They feel lighter, and sound brighter, especially in real life. There is difference between specimens, and the prewar ones are usually better, but the old Martin factory was remarkably consistent - in contrast to Gibson, whose ukuleles sound all over the place.
Do avoid the modern Martins. They're not bad, but they're just not the same.
As for cracks or slipping tuners or other flaws, those are not big issues. If you're looking for a player rather than a mint collectable, it might even significantly reduce the price and make a repair job fall into your overall budget.
I think with a little searching, you might find one within your means - probably an style 0 or 1 though.
Finding a competent luthier to do any repairs where I live is probably not in the cards.