You're speakin' my language. I used to have full suspension bikes and spent a ton keeping them rolling. In 2011 or so, I got a gig building wheels for a shop that specialized in fat and plus bikes. He sold Surly, Salsa, 907, Fatback and Borealis. After riding a few bikes, I built myself a 907 with 100mm rims and 4.8" tires. I quickly learned what worked well and what didn't. I'm a big, heavy guy so I like big tires. I'm currently running 80mm Surly My Other Brother Darryl rims with a 4.8" Surly Bud as a front tire and a 4.8" Surly Knard on the rear. When it starts snowing, I swap the Knard out for a 4.8" Lou for ultimate traction.
I ride my fatty full rigid. No use for a suspension fork on these bikes. I ride it on regular trails, in snow, on the beach for miles and miles. They're excellent bikes.
I'm about to swap out my current 907 frame for a Surly Ice Cream Truck as soon as the new run is released. I'll be updating my drivetrain from 2x10 to 1x12.
I'd suggest the Ice Cream truck if you're big and burly. I'm 6'5" and 260 pounds so I need big tires for maximum flotation. If you're smaller, have a look at the Surly Wednesday. It takes a slightly smaller tire but is a completely capable bike. I have a few friends with them. I'm leaning toward the Surly bikes because they both come with the Other Brother Darryl rims. They're light and strong and offer excellent tubeless. I haven't had a flat since going tubeless in 2010.
I'm not sure if any bikes come with them, but Alex Blizzerks are also excellent rims. Alex actually makes Surly's rims so no surprise there. I wouldn't waste my time with too many other complete bikes out there based on the rims. MOST fat bikes don't have good rims. Almost every bike I build for me, family members or customers gets built from a frameset and I lace up custom wheels with Surly or Alex rims.
The Wednesday is about 1500 bucks. It's the cheapest good bike I'd look at. The rear hub will fail first if you're strong. Just have someone lace in something better.