If you are "several steps below a novice" I recommend that IF you get a tractor that you start out very slow. Even on perfectly flat land a tractor can be a dangerous tool if you get careless. I have seen people not used to a manual transmission attempt to get off a tractor with it still in gear and the engine running.
Another problem I see is leaving a tractor at a remote location. Is there a building to store it in? Can it be hidden? When we leave equipment at our remote farm we leave it hidden in some trees so it cannot be seen from the road. Key is removed, pto engaged, brakes locked, fuel turned off. Everything we can do is done to prevent somebody from starting the old tractor. We still have parts stolen off it.
Just my thoughts after about 10 seconds of reflection on your problem.
RSKY