I'm currently in the market looking through the various brands as well. If "American made" is an absolute requirement (and I understand) it will help narrow your option but will not fit in your $4K budget unless you buy used. Also if you want a certified lift, this too will narrow your selection. Also factor in you'll likely have to raise your garage door and install a side mount/jack shaft opener into your budget if you have not.

Bendpak is a quality lift, my friends really like theirs but is still made in China. I removed it from my search because I do not want an air release w/ the compressor and wanted a mechanical release. My family friend has a BackYard Buddy and loves his, American made was a must for him. In our shop we have a 2 post 12,000lb Mohawk and it is a beast, American made and quality. I listed these as you might luck up and find some of these American made lifts on the used market.

I want a certified lift so I'm that pointed me to Direct Lift/ Dereck Weaver and Greg Smith/ Atlas. I wanted something more robust than standard and wanted heavier duty cables and wanted them enclosed. So I have narrowed my selection down to the Atlas Alex 8 Lift. If you pick it up most lifts from the warehouse you'll save $300. https://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-Apex-8

If certification does not matter to you, any of the 4 post lifts in your budget will work as they are almost all the same lifts are built in the same factory just with different branding.