Any Difference in Tile Quality Between HD/Lowe's & Best Tile?

[Patrick M.]

Hey BPers- I've just purchased my first rental unit and I am updating two bathrooms, converting from old dated vinyl floors to tile. I have found a talented tile person who installs for $8 per sq ft. I suggested I would buy and bring an appropriate amount of $0.78 - $1/sq ft tile from Home Depot to the unit to install. She came back and suggested going to Best Tile. They have stuff online but no prices, which makes me suspicious that they are very expensive and she gets a kickback for me going there. 

1. Does anyone have experience with Best Tile?

2. Is there stuff significantly higher quality/more durable that HD/Lowe's?

3. Would you shop for a small job (less than 60 sq ft) with a simple pattern at one or the other?

All insights welcome.

Thanks!