There's someone selling one locally on craigslist. I'm looking to do a budget build of my first "real" mountain bike. Would this be a decent frame to start with, and if so, worth $50?

Also, I've read people talking about aluminum weakening or fatiguing. What should I look for to make sure an aluminum frame is in decent condition?

Good for starter bike. Once you realize how a lighter bike rides....you'll soon look to upgrade.

i have one in my attic with a rockshox tora 302 installed.

it's a turd of a bike and IMO not worth polishing.