It sounds like the property is new to you and you currently do not have a trailer. You may find that having a trailer is nice to have for other things. With regard to trailer weight. My 12k rated tilt deck weighs about 2k empty per the sticker from the manufacturer which means it is rated for a...
I added the mulch kit later. It depends on how long the grass is. My biggest complaint about the mulch kit is that it tends to blow out the sides which leeads to needing to clean off the driveway.
Because I didn't need two tractors and a Ventrac is out of my budget. I bought a diesel Kubota GR2020. I have had thee years now and am happy with it.
https://www.kubotausa.com/products/mowers/lawn-garden-tractors/gr2020g