^^^^^ this

Or maybe some dual shield flux...

Not sure I agree with that. I can do any type of mods with a stick welder and do a real nice job. A box of 6010 or even some 7018 will get It done.

But I've spent about 50 years under the hood.

Plenty of good advice above. I have a Hobart 140 that I got for trap mods. Used flux core for a while, then switched to gas which makes me look like a pro. I've used it for all sorts of stuff and love coming up with new welding projects. With good technique (YouTube is your friend!) and multi-pass you can use it for virtually everything you'll ever need as a casual welder. I welded up new spring hangers on my beefy utility/wood hauling trailer and it hasn't broken yet after a lot of hard use.

If you get into it and decide you need more then you can invest in a bigger one.

For trap mods and other “stuff” around the house that needs fixing, my Lincoln 140 I got from Lowes is perfect. Cost was doable and the little machine performs. Sure you might not start a welding repair shop with it but you can do anything on a trap that needs to be done. And get the gas.

Get the biggest and best in your budget
You will use it on many different projects than planned after you get it
and a quality machine will last a lifetime

220 V is a plus (thicker material)
Gas is plus (cleaner welds)
Name brands are a plus

OP here.........

So what's the best way to learn to weld?

I have some welding experience from way back in the 80's when I was putting up metal buildings. We had a big ol' Lincoln stick welder on a trailer that I learned to stick a couple of pieces of metal together by trial and error, and some guidance from a couple of certified welders along the way.

But that was a looooonnngggg time ago!

I live in the Boise area and there is a welder/sculptor/artist in downtown Boise that teaches a two-day, 12-hour class for $225.00. Here is a description of her basic welding class:

"Through discussion, demonstration and hands-on application, you will learn the fundamentals of oxy/acetylene and MIG welding, plasma arc and torch cutting, heat bending, the peripheral metal working tools and we will discuss safety throughout. You will acquire a working knowledge of welding that can be immediately applied. All in an easy, open, fun environment!

All safety equipment, tools and scrap steel will be provided."

Granted, this is for artistic work, but for a basic, start-sticking-pieces-of-metal-together, class, does this sound worth the money and time?

Any other suggestions? Granted, enrolling in a full-blown community college welding course would be the ticket to produce top quality work, but the time it would take, not to mention the money, isn't in the cards for me at this time.

As always, any advice is appreciated.

Take that 225 and buy some scrap, wire and gas. It’s really not brain surgery.
It will come back to you in a short amount of time.

X2∆∆
No reason to pay anyone to learn mig welding.
Scrap and a couoke boxes of rod, along with YouTube and you will be making professional welds in no time.

Look it Jody on YouTube, his site is called welding tips and tricks.

Weldingtipsandtricks.com
He has a YouTube under that same name, and he has 100s of very well made and informative videos on very specific processes and situations.
Literally any weld you would think about making he has a video on.

Miller 252 is what I use from traps to building truck beds. Works good for me.

Millermatic 211, Mig machine