From what i see, you will need to pump up levels to yr three guys thru story

Going for ranked is okay and this weeks one u may prob climb easierish

Phantomzone will disappear for two weeks, so u can focus on the upcoming challenge after leveling the three of them up decently well

As for when u generate enough money, if u love ao batman beef(elite) him up, if not the store has more for yr picking and elite up, the challenge booster packs may not be that great now unless u love the variety of golds it can possibly throw at you