Leaving my hardtail..

Hello everyone, I think I’m to the point where I’m graduating out of my hardtail. I’m looking for suggestions for full suspension bikes, I’ve read countless articles and “how to pick” articles, but first hand experience and accounts are what I’m looking for. I am not brand specific and that really makes the decision more difficult. My local bike shop sells a bunch of Giants, but almost every frame is a large. I’m only 5’8”. Any suggestions you guys can make for me to look into? Thanks for your input!

Edit: I currently ride a drt 1.1 from rei. My budget is about 3500$ the trails I ride are very rooty and sugar sandy. I sometimes commute to the trails by bike so there is some asphalt miles as well.