Eclectic, I started riding last year at age 56. I bought a cheap used Diamondback hardtail with throw-away suspension on the front, and cheap parts elsewhere too I suspect. I've ridden the thing everywhere, from neighborhood roads to (finally able to do them) twistyturny rockyrooty technical singletracks in my local woods. That suspension has done just fine as I clang over rocks and roots and 12-18" drops off whatever. It would have never stood up to a real jump, but I'm not doing those anyway.
The reason I know it's a throw-away suspension is that I've ruined it, and it can't be unscrewed and worked on inside. It just needs to be replaced. I am still riding it, but am on the lookout for a good bike now that I know what I want.

I am so glad I bought this beginner bike last year. It served me well as I graduated from roads to more interesting stuff. I would not have been able to wisely choose a bike that cost real money way back because I didn't know what kind of a rider I was going to become. Now I know. One day I'm going to be doing some serious downhill vertical. It's fun!

So my suggestion to you is it's OK to get a cheap-o used mountain bike with front suspension, and ride it into the ground. Then buy something more tailored to your growning skills.