I highly recommend installing an elevator lift. You indicated this would be your forever home. When I was your age, I moved into a home with only a four foot rise from the attached garage and soon found that steps were not for me. Please consider this.
rScotty knows what he is talking about. Avoid the clays that may contain bentonite or kaolinite because they are very slick when wet and are subject to keep damp soil too mushy. I do advise you that the regular rock yard fine limestone when spread no more than 2 inches thick will quickly work...
We have a JD X749 which has 4 WD and 4 wheel steering. Each wheel has it's own Hydraulic motor (not real sure the rear) The motors are synchronized so it almost never spins in wet spots. The 4 wheel steering is good but not great. it will circle around about 18 to 20 inches as good as any...
Slow down. A land roller may help id you do it when the ground is a little soft. Mowing looks best with a high blade rotation and a slow ground speed. Expect to roll the area every Spring because every winter when the soil is wet every thing that crosses the land will leave tracks.