For about $1000, Salsa TimberJack has a good reputation & seems like a good bike. The NX1 29 — $999. For $100 more, the NX1 27.5+, I think, is a better deal.
Many of us, myself included, started with a low cost entry level bike. Then we’re suddenly riding frequently & realize in just a few months that we should have spent a little more. Then we have to sell our starter bike & get a better bike. This costs us more in the long run.