@gratefulgill Post up pics of what you have and an inspiration pic or two and we can perhaps offer you some advice, otherwise tough to say what you can do. Anything is possible of you throw enough money at it.

Sounds like a good plan. You don't have to do it all at once, little by little. Those big patio umbrellas can substitute until you are ready to do the awning.

https://youtu.be/yh0ZL-PwsMQ

i too prefer the low maintenance of a patio vs. a deck though we have a small deck as egress from our home.

The linked video of ours may offer some ideas though a visual of your site would be helpful. Twenty-five years of growth are represented by the maturing trees. Umbrellas provided shade for many seasons.

Our dog run serves both for our pet and as a pass though from the garage.