Dear Patrick,
May Allah open your heart to Islam. I understand the reason to which you have given, such that you would like to get rid of all aspects of your life which infringe with the pristine teaching of Islam, so as to make your conversion more orderly, and in a sense more convincing for yourself. This would include reading all of the Qur'an and learning how to pray etc..
I can only advise you, as can my brothers and sisters. If you fully affirm the 5 pillars of Islam then what is stopping you from making the testimony of faith? The Companions of the Prophet peace be upon him, did not wait until they had read all of the Qur'an, nor until they had memorised how to pray to convert, rather they were so overtaken by the sublime truth that they swiftly hearkened unto embracing it lest they miss their chance. Allah does not burden an individual beyond their capability, and this religion is ease; if you will wait until all of the 'ills' are removed from yourself, then it will never happen, it doesn't happen to any of us. This jihad on the self is better done whilst having done the Shahadah so Allah may make it easier for you to traverse upon the illuminated path of this religion.
If you still think otherwise, then you'd better tighten your seat belt, and be wary wherever you go, and be mighty careful, as death may come, and overtake you whilst not having done the shahadah. I did not mean to scare you lol, it was something poignant that i wanted to share with you, as one does not know when death is approaching, and despite level best efforts one cannot avoid it. Say the Shahadah my friend, embrace the sweetness of this faith, become acquainted with the most merciful, who you will not know fully through reading, rather by acting upon that which you read, which brings life to the heart. Ashahadu an-la ilaha illalah, wa ash hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasulu.
Please forgive me if i came across in a way not befitting.
Take care
