How do I get access to the trunk lift motor, not the latch motor, but the motor that lifts and close the actual trunk?

 

Most carpeting should be removed and there - presto - the lift motor will be accessible. Not very hard, just be careful.

 

i want to make sure which clips and screws to remove before just tugging randomly and ripping pieces unintentionally.

 

Really hard to describe in short, but take side bottom covers off, there will be couple of clips (those aren't strictly reusable but they should survive one disasm/asm). Then there's two or four bolts under plastic covers of rope hooks. From here there are no more bolts, only clips and some upper rope hooks (push in little tabs on their sides to unclip). From this point you should be able to peel side carpet off enough to access.
The actuator located left hand side afaik, three bolts and a nut.
Take extra care about bumper and it's upper edge. Clear coat there is notoriously thin. I've already done two buff ups after barely leaning inside the trunk (job also involved peeling carpets) with my jeans - one touch and there's a smear. No wonder lexus sells oem clear film protector for that area...

 

Thanks everyone. I’m not finding any for less than $350 that are new. I’m willing to pull one from a salvage car that hasn’t been rear ended for $50-75 and take the risk it burns out after a year or two.

 

Try this search. https://www.car-part.com

 

I paid $140 for my new one (non-oem) on Ebay. Comes with a 3 year warranty. (2011 LS 460) New OEM from Lexus dealers are around $500. If I had it to do over again, I'd would have bought the new OEM as I plan on keeping the car.

As a side note, I'd suggest getting a set of used OEM service manuals (check ebay) for your car if you plan on keeping it and doing your own repairs. It gives step by step instructions for most repairs. Take care of the manuals and you'll probably be able to sell them for at least what you paid. Good luck....