Maybe look into renting in the ‘county island’ in the Chandler/Gilbert area. Ask a realtor about the term/area.
I’m in it with 1 acre, 20 minutes from downtown where I work. You can farm. Lots of year round alfalfa farms. Corn. I have oranges, peaches, figs, grapes, grapefruit. I’m thinking of turning over some dirt here soon. Find a place with flood irrigation. Maybe consider rent-to-own.
What you are looking for is possible.
I would agree. Make sure of your water rights if you plan to irrigate or have a yard or garden. Especially if you have horses, for example. Further out in the desert the wildlife will be coming to partake of your pool, so make sure it's properly fenced or it will be party time at the watering hole every night. In the more urban areas the heat island is severe, not to mention the subtropical conditions in late summer and the pollen from the non-native plants in the landscaping. Plan to have an escape to the cool. As far as SHTF all of the western desert cities are completely unsustainable at the current population levels if there is any significant breakdown in technology.