>>689684Get a hardtail, obviously. If you're new to mtb, you're going to crash, so don't get anything more than about $750. Learn some basic mtb skills like body positioning, manualing, cornering, descending, climbing, ect. Then upgrade parts of your bike depending on your need, but in this relative order: tires, grips, handlebars, pedals (go clipless once you're comfortable), seat (A dropper seat post is good if you're constantly changing the seat height)
