You have to "do certain things" sounds like faith is works-based. You "earn" it by works, by doing the right things.
The only thing is you must take a step of faith
That sounds like it's your decision to be 'saved'. You take the step and God saves you. yet your own Bible says God saves whomever he pleases. Maybe you didn't read that part. It appears that in your belief system you are in charge and God simply obliges as you wish.
You say you want to KNOW what God is, well, the first step is to consider that he HAS revealed himself and entertain the idea that the BIBLE just might be the method in which he has done so.
First, ever other religion that has a scriptures says the same thing about their God. All you have to do is make a leap of faith that the Book of Mormon is a way God revealed himself and you are in business!
Then also acknowledge that he continues to reveal himself in nature, through other people.
Oh, yes, that keeps the merchants of faith of every kind in good business. Otherwise they may have to flip hamburgers for their living.
Look beyond your prejudices. Oh yeah you can't do that because you are blind. You are on the wrong site. You undoubtedly have the same opinion about drug manufacturers, doctors, nurses, indian chiefs. They are all in it for the money.