Hello Julie,
First, let me tell you how much credit I give you for taking religious life upon yourself. Your observance is way more special to Hakadosh Baruch Hu than mine, because you CHOSE this way of life. What I do is what I have done since I was born and have never known any other way.
Second, I would advise you to focus on mitzvot bein adom l’chaveiro (between man and his fellow man). You don’t need any special knowledge to treat your fellow man with love and compassion, and G-d gives these type of mitzvot more weight than any others.
Yes, you should take things slowly. Perhaps start by trying to observe Shabbos to the best of your ability.
I wish you all the best in your journey.
Yanky