I live in the mountains west of c-ville, so I pulled up Fredericksburg CL for garden tractor and this was the first hit.
https://fredericksburg.craigslist.org/grd/5729387541.html
I'm not pushing it, but it does bring up some points-
It doesn't look like it will run a 3 point hitch, but if you really need implements, you probably need a bigger tractor. MY JD x728 has a cat-1 hitch, and it is pushing the limits of small gt tractor size. Don't bother with a cat-0 hitch. Unless you go x728 or compact tractor of bigger, don't waste too much time worrying about rear 3 points.
It has (about) the size deck you need.
It is diesel and should run for a while.
It will accept a front blade which is all you need for warrenton. The rear tires on this will accept common chain sizes. If your front blade cannot handle Va snow, chances are everything is closed anyway, and it should all melt by tomorrow anyway.
If all I had was $1200, I would at least take a look.
The important talking point that comes up frequently on tractor sites, is that garden tractors from the "heyday" were never cheap to begin with (like p-cars). Good garden tractors were as expensive as cheap new cars or good used car territory. If you find one cheap, (just like a p-car)- it very well might have lived out it's useful life and is simply worn out (engine, deck spindles, pulleys, belts, springs, tensioners, hydrostatic, etc.) Cast iron K-series Kohler engines are great, if they haven't already given a lifetime of use, and most have (needing a rebuild) . I would go diesel if I had to do it over again on my x728.
As for materials- plastic breaks, metal rust. One area that you do want plastic is a gas tank. Metal tanks rust and leave a never ending trail of debri to clog carbs/filters.
Good luck