you can get a good bike that will let you learn your way around for under $1000. sure you might get some low end wheels but that is OK for a beginner bike. If you fall in love with MTB and need something more this bike can be you back up or a loaner for a friend.
Look to Giant for good hard tail in the $700 to $900 range.
I would not want full suspension for under $1000.
Test ride as much as you can before you buy - FIT is the most important part of buying a bike. Some bikes just don't feel right.
don't get caught up in the hype of XTR shifters and dérailleurs or X.0 for SRAM you don't need that for this bike.
LX or Deore is fine or X-7 or X-9 for SRAM (I like like grip shift much better)