There are many, many steel framed rigid fork mtb from the 90s around on craigslist. In my area, there's one for $35 this morning that will give most of what you need. We're trying to tell you to think differently.
You don't need a suspension fork and you don't need disc brakes.
V-brakes or cantilevers will be perfectly fine, IF you set them up correctly and use good pads.
Save money and keep it 7 speed in the rear.
I could build you this bike for well under $ 3 2 5 , and it would like new, loaded with nice features like ergonomic grips, and be excellent riding. Oh well...
Last edited by Phil_gretz; 05-09-14 at 07:37 AM.