re: OT- St Augustine Grass

Litigator, you could spread good top soil maybe add some peat moss to it. Spread and level this out then spread seed. Once seed is spread use a water-filled roller to roll the seed in and compact soil at same time.

Then, because of slope, cover with hay to help prevent erosion and keep birds from eating your grass seed.

ETA. You could till the yard you currently have then use a garden rake to level new soil and remove rocks/mowing obstacles.

You put the hay down liberally to start with to hold soil in place and protect seed. As grass starts to come up you lightly rake a little more hay out to give room to the growing grass. You start with liberal hay and end with mostly grass and just a little hay throughout grass root system.