All,
After everyone took time to respond, I felt it was appropriate to provide a final update. After much debate and searching for the right deal, I went with the Cannondale Habit 2 (2017 model). Retail was $5,600. I got it brand new for $2,600. That was too good of a deal. And with 120mm travel front and rear, carbon fiber, XTR rear derailer, drop post, and more, I am very happy. I have about 300 miles on it already and it is playful, fast, accelerates like a race car, climbs well, and basically runs the way a great trail bike should run. No regret here at all.
Thank you for the responses and happy riding to everyone.
Thomas