Craig, Congratulations! Someday, you will wistfully recall your pre-homeowner days and all of that disposable income and discretionary time you USED to have.
I did not grow up in a family where we performed remodeling tasks ourselves. So, it was with much trepidation that I responded to several gouging bids by saying "I'll just buy the tools and do it myself". This series of decisions was very satisfying for me, as I learned new things and developed skills by just plunging in and DOING IT myself. Plus, it rarely costs more to pay the "professional" to fix something after you have tried yourself, and I found that the act of paying someone did not guarantee quality work. I'm slow, though.
Just don't place implicit trust in advice dispensed by Home Depot staff.
That being said, some things are obvious outsource deals - like your AC situation. However, the floors might be a DIY project. You can rent sanders and do the finish work yourself.
Anyway, I'm happy for you. Keep us posted with pictures and stories.
