Leaving out auction and foreclosure costs for a second, when you write that check for $220k the trustee is going to pay BigBadBank the $175k they are owed first, then he's going to pay LittleBadBank the remaining $45k, and you will get a clean title as the process is going to wipe the slate clean.

As you're just starting out in Austin, focus on learning the local market, particularly areas with good rental demand and lower entry prices.

Scott as a starting reference.

I started investing real estate in 2022, and own a couple of doors in South Jersey.

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

We have renters there now and they cover the mortgage with a bit of cash flow ($100/month), but the property is going to need some more major updates (windows, roof, HVAC, siding) within the next 5 years as they are starting to be at the end of their useful lives.We would like to pay off our primary residence as quickly as possible to “free us” from mortgage payments on our primary residence.My questions are below:1.

What does the process look like from start to finish? 

There's no real wrong answer to your question, but the right answer starts with you figuring out what general direction you want to aim in. 

Piece of advice - when I started I wish I would have focused on my multifamily niche/expertise from day one vs trying to be the agent for everyone (flippers, STR buyers, land, etc). 

I've been going about as long as you have and things are starting to come together and happen for me here in Sacramento.