Recommendations for a wired router?

[MrNoBody]

$40 for a wired router is a tight budget.
Some MicroCenters have refurb TP-Link C8 1750's for $40 though.

fyi, if you want to use DD-WRT, Tomato, etc. check the mfr's. website first.
I discovered with TP-Link and others, they no longer support non-OEM firmwares
as a part of their 'built-in' security schemes.

I made a features checklist for my new router search:
Gigabit
min. AC2900 MU-MIMO simultaneous dual-band
Broadcom chipset: DD-WRT supported
Dual Core Processor
512MB RAM
USB 2 & 3 ports

ymmv