I would have to go with Adams. Jefferson was a pretty complicated man with many ideas. Not sure you could get anything accomplished in an afternoon with him.
Welcome from Arizona as well. We have a pipe club that meets twice a month in Mesa. You can PM me for details if you would like to meet some fellow pipe smokers.
I wouldn't look at tobacco as an investment. Too many potential issues with government interference with sales, shipping, and such. Build your cellar for stuff you like to smoke.
Agree with JJ Fox and Davidoff. I visited the Dunhill store just before they closed. Not much of a selection of pipe tobacco left and only a handful of cigars.