Most people who own guns don't know the first thing about them. They don't really shoot, and if they shoot, they usually don't shoot well. And that doesn't even begin to address their lack of mechanical knowledge of their guns. And typically they exaggerate round count somewhere between "a lot" and "an absolutely pathological amount".
That doesn't even slow them down when it comes to telling you how "flawless" their guns are and how great the "fit and finish" is.
Para does not make consistent, reliable 1911s. There are so many poorly functioning Para Ordnance pistols out there it is just ridiculous. If you want a quality 1911 for middle-range money, start by looking at Colt and Springfield, or, if they interest you, you could consider an STI. Conceivably the S&W E-series, which had some early indications of being a quality piece, but which seems to have fallen prey to S&W's usual disorder of coming up with an awesome idea, then letting the accountants make all the decisions until they wreck it. Not that the E-series is wrecked, but the people I know who are heavily in to 1911s for duty use went from "hopeful" to "skeptical" about six or eight months back.
Anyway, that is pretty much a complete list of entry-level 1911s I would be prepared to count on without doing a lot of work. And yes, I am familiar with the other big names making 1911s. I haven't forgotten anyone. If I didn't mention them, it's because I wouldn't bet on them.
On the cheap I would get a Norinco or RIA. But I would expect to have to get someone with a lot of experience to tune the gun. Fortunately in my case that's me and I work pro bono for me whenever I need it.