Rehan batay, assalamu-alaikum
Meray Peyaray batay, Masha-Allah you are doing everything right and growing and developing as a strong Muslim and the things you plan to do with your life are right down the way any good Muslim will do.
Your thoughts are so impressive that I feel the most pride when you talk about being a better Muslim. This phase of your life gives me the most joy to know that by the tremendous blessings of Allah s.w.t. I must have done something right to please my creator to give you the right Islamic compass. This is the greatest of all His blessings He has showered upon me.
Batay, I had the same type of doubts, questions & soul searching when I was a young man like you. I tried to ask a lot of Imams and molvis but they were not able to help at all. The reason was that they themselves did not understand it or question any thing. Although I am no expert on this vast subject, you and I should talk about some of these issues in person before you go back.
Essentially it will be you & your curious nature that will help you. I recommend studying the tafaseers (explanations or interpretations by scholars) of the Quran by different authors. Also try reading the historical perspective of the period leading upto the Islam. That will help you start to understand the overall scheme of things. Although the Quran is the guide for Muslims to live by, the Hadith (the life and sayings of our beloved prophet Mohammad (may Allah's peace be upon him)) are the truest interpretation of the Quran and the correct application of the principles laid out in in.
The debate over which scholar has the correct & thorough understanding of the Quran always continues but Islam is a very easy path to follow because Allah s.w.t. is most compassionate, merciful, and forgiving of all our un-intentional mistakes we all make. Do the best you can and the best you can is the best you can and insha-Allah the benevolent thoughts and fear of God, the unwavering belief in Him & in the finality of his prophet, Mohammad (may Allah's peace be upon him) will be our salvation.
Do at least the Ferz namaz on time and whenever you miss it, promise Allah s.w.t. that you will make it up later. And when you have time then do the Sunnah and then the Nafils also. Always talk to Allah s.w.t. and ask for forgiveness no matter how many namaaz and rakaats you offer and insha-Allah He will forgive you and knows your intentions deep down in your heart. Never ever give up hope because Allah s.w.t. is most compassionate, merciful, and forgiving and His designs are perfect. His knowledge & plans may not be understood by us but never the less they are perfect. A total belief in Him and commitment to Him and His words of Ultimate wisdom makes us a true believer. Questioning and trying to understand the reasons behind his commands Does not make us a kafir or less of a muslim either.
Khuada hafiz meray batay and may Allah s.w.t. guide you and bless you with good health and prosperity so you can help others do the same, aameen.