I'm reading into the OP some assumptions:
-spending $1100 gives some assurance a given 1911 will be "good". This may or not have some truth to it. I've spent $1100 on one 1911 (Doublestar; DON'T BUY) which needed another $1000 to become reliable.
-Colt and Kimber are "good" brands. I've had both brands and I've had problems with both. Regardless of brand, any specific 1911 may have problems, regardless of brand (imo; no, I've not owned every brand). A 1911 may need to go back for warranty work on its first day out of the box; another 1911 may not need work for a few thousand rounds.
I think, if someone can:
-do some research as the OP is doing; there are certainly more brands than Kimber and Colt.
-spending a certain amount of money may translate into the buyer getting certain features (examples: a railed frame; night sights; grips).
-or might it be better to get two Rock Island Armory 1911 guns and have a spare if & when one needs to be sent somewhere for service/warranty work/repair?
I'm hearing very good quality and service, should anyone need later service, from Wilson-Combat. Wilson's guns are much more than $1100, however.
Does someone have to spend at least $1100 on a 1911? No.
Will $1100 guarantee a "good" 1911? No.
A 1911-expert once stated the 1911 is an
aficionado's gun. I tend to agree.
There was no mention of what the OP's experience is; how the 1911 might be used; and any further expectations of this potential 1911.
Here's an article from 10-8 Performance (among others to read) which may help in a decision. It's written for someone or an agency in selecting a 1911 for duty-use, but can pertain to an individual just getting into the 1911 world:
http://www.10-8performance.com/pages/Choosing-a-1911-for-Duty-Use.html