Thanks to all for your thoughtful replies. You have given me much to think about and consider. I look forward to giving it a whirl.

Renting definitely seems the easiest. I will probably start with a hardtail and do some easy local trails.

For the more technical, it looks smart to take a class or at least do a camp. I should make a summer trip up to Whistler mountain as I know they sometimes have biking camps. It is curious to me that you can have more control with more shock absorbtion. I will get right to "play"!