I just recently moved away from my fledgling food forest in central Florida. I started with grass on my tiny lot. Slowly but surely as I had money I added fruit trees to the garden. Then as I learned more about the types of plants available (moringa, for instance) I sought those out. As an example, I planted internet purchased comfrey roots below some fruit trees 2 years after the fruit trees were first planted.
To save some money I also started experimenting propagating things. Not only is it fun, I was able to give away dozens of little mulberry trees, lemon grass and dragon fruit. Don't be scared to grow from seed either.
I can not wait to get a house to start again in my new home of TN.