without question for your terrain and style full suspension is the right choice
I rode HT for years could not believe i did not switch to FS before. Much more comfortable better control in dicey areas
I would look for a demo day they normally have several bikes and top mechanics to set you up
I would make sure the tires are proper for your terrain out of the gate. Mine were speced with a racing type of tire that performed poorly I wish I would have asked and gotten right out of the gate
I am a fan of the 2x as well do not get the whole its so much cleaner looking I drop and push up in the front all the time both on my road bike and MTB
get it with a dropper post and get set up with tubeless you will appreciate both in your terrain.
If it were me I would look at 5 inch travel 27.5
If you can spend more do so as long as you ride it you will not regret it
My budget was 3500 I blew past it by about 40 percent and do not regret it
look at the freedom to ride program 12 months interest free
dont worry about the heat buy a bike ride the wee hours and get in before it climbs too much