Have you considered 2 different used bikes?
Depending on your pavement riding, maybe a decent quality 10-12 speed from the 80's may fit the bill.
If you just commute a "few" miles, you don't need 20-30 speeds. 6-7 USEFUL ones would probably do the job just fine.
About all I know about suspension bikes is that good ones cost a lot.
Cheap ones aren't worth the trouble.