Damn that's crazy! I saw a few other things like that too, like 15$ Race Face/DT350 wheels and 17$ Hayes Dominion brakes but everything was sold out. It's weird because I checked when they announced the sale and the prices were not that low (Dominions were 170$). Hopefully your order passes through! It could take a few days so don't despair if it takes some time. I made an order 3 dats ago and it shipped today. Fingers crossed for you!
As for the build help, I'd go for a simple hardtail for when I just want to go for a pump track ride or a short xc loop, or just a bike you don't mind at all when something happens to it or when your friend scratches it while putting it on the bike rack!