In the price range you mentioned, in Recoleta, you can certainly find a two-bedroom and probably a 3 bedroom.
The furnished flats you're seeing are temporary apartments and they are typically 50% to 100% more expensive than a regular long-term lease. Also, the contracts can only be made for a maximum of 6 months (although you can make arrangements with some owners to run consecutive contracts).
A long term rental here, by law, is a two year lease. You will need to have a guarantee to get a long term lease, or pay the entire lease up front, etc. As Sara mentioned, your company will probably be able to guarantee your lease as far as the owner is concerned, but I'm not sure what's involved with that exactly. Given that you have a monthly stipend, I don't think your company will pay the lease in advance, and if a sizeable cash deposit is involved, that may be hard to get out of your company as well.
Also, know that you must be in a lease at least 6 months (talking long-term, two year leases). After that, within the first year you will pay a two month penalty for breaking the contract. After the first year, you can break the contract with a one-month penalty.
Temporary leases usually include everything - including services.
I know many people who never see their security deposit as well, when talking long-term leases, particularly if it's broken.
If you are not posted here permanently, your company may be thinking that you will find temporary accomodations. You can probably find some 70 sm 2 bedroom apartments within the price range you are looking for.
Also, most 2 year leases do not come furnished. You will most likely have to think about buying furniture. There are a few apartments rented in long term leases that are furnished here and there, but they are relatively rare.
Also, with 2 year leases, you usually have to pay the building maintenance fee (expensas) and a city tax and such. Could be anywhere from 450 to 1500 pesos a month, depending on the building, the area, etc.
Belgrano will be something like a 30-40 minute trip getting to Centro (or MicroCentro? When you say "center" - where is that exactly?). Palermo something like 20-30 minutes maybe? This would be in rush hour, taking the subte, probably walking a bit to get to those points.
Recoleta is within walking distance of Micro Center, Centro, Congresso, etc, if you walk 10-20 blocks or so. San Martin is a nice area just next to Micro Center and is close to the other "central" areas. ReEcoleta is a bit more pricey but you can find deals there.
We just looked at a gorgeous 3 bedroom apartment, 145 sm, in the little area bounded by Santa Fe, 9 de Julio, Libertador and Alem. Some have told me that is an extension of Recoleta, others a part of Retiro. It's pretty much next to MicroCenter and is a very nice area. The apartment was going for $1600 USD, but that includes all building expenses and taxes. The real estate agent swears we can talk the owner down to $1300 USD.
That's a bit more than you are talking about spending, but that's a high-priced example of what you can find in a nice area close to the center of things. We looked at another int he same area, still very nice, for $1300 USD expenses included, but had 125 sm. I'm betting that could be talked down if the other one could.
I've seen similar apartments in Belgrano (not nearly as luxurious as the ones I saw though, and usually not as well laid out) priced at about $900-1000 USD.
