Large equipment and tools

Okay all knowledgable ones.

Hubby and I are moving to South Carolina from Las Vegas. Big difference in life style. We are in the works of purchasing a 14.4 acre property. So I need some recommendations on what type of yard equipment I am going to need. I do intend on having a large veggie garden. 5 acres are still untouched and will need to be cleaned out. A stream flows through the back half where it is still untouched and quite a bit of work is going to need to be done for it to be safe. The rest is basically 4 foot tall weeds/grass. It is fenced in and has a small area .(25 acre) fenced off where a horse was kept. It is a blank slate pretty much. Nothing special. Even the house is a basic boring rectangle.

I was told by some one that a ride on lawnmower is a must. But would it be better to get a tractor with a mower attachment? Which lasts longer. Which brands should I look into and which should I avoid?

Talk to me folks. All advice will be listened too.

Thanks.
Casey