I'd recommend moving all the 10 to 14 and letting payroll fall where it falls. Then work from there. That way, while you're learning, you'll be closer to maxing out what you want to max out next season.
This is what I would advise, as well, because it minimizes the harm you can do to yourself as you learn the game. I would avoid long-term contracts (whether you sign free agents or trade for players) until next season, when you've hopefully learned what makes players successful. (Your criteria on this will probably change frequently over time.)
Investments in scouting, coaching, training and medical will all help your team improve while you learn, and I would also caution against trading players until you're a little more comfortable. Wait until the trade deadline before you hold that fire sale; you'll be less likely to trade away quality vets for pennies on the dollar, and who knows? Maybe you'll be a buyer at that point.