If you guys could go back in time towards the beginning of your REI journey and were in my shoes what would you do?

If I were in your shoes, I would have the title company order a payoff independent from your lender and compare.

They are stepping into your shoes as the buyer, so they must read the agreement and agree to those terms, one of which is price.  

I would assume, assuming that piece IS part of the foreclosed property, any new owner steps into the shoes of the original owner/seller.

As seasoned investors, if you could be in my shoes what would you do to make the most of what you have?

If they are confident in what they're doing, and honest, not only should they share the loss, but I in their shoes would be offering a guaranteed minimum return, say 5-10% APR.

If I were in your shoes, I might do another investment first, show that it truly works,  and there might be a change of heart down the road.

I would never look at age as a problem, in fact it is an advantage, because you are starting out young and have time to educate, learn and save.If I were in your shoes, I would do all the reading and education you can.

Buying the note is not buying the property, it puts you in the shoes of the lender who is required to sell and apply proceeds to the debt and any overage is due the mortgagor, you don't just move in after a foreclosure.

They are a shoe waiting to drop that will never go away.