Finding the historical Jesus in the teachings of the Church is very difficult. Over the centuries, the Church has added layers and layers of doctrine and theories of who Jesus was and what Jesus believed. They taught fear and obedience. I could not accept a God that supported a message other than Love and Mercy.
Your approach to go back to the beginning to find the real Jesus is a requirement to get to the Truth. I have travelled the same path and find both opposition from fundamentalists and support from  those who are guided the Spirit of Change but also see the need of a grounding in the teachings of Jesus. I support your journey.