Agreed. The OP should concentrate on getting a bike that will handle his commute over the terrain that he wishes to travel upon. He can always upgrade to something else as his skills/confindence improves to where he can stay on the pavement consistently. A mtb is the right tool for that particular job at this time.

IIRC, the OP stated his budget as between $1k-2k. I say he get a decent entry level mtb, accessorize it with lights, flat kit, inflation/hydration, a cargo management system of his choice- and save the rest for n+1.