Hey Martin,
I don't know about where you live, but where I am, in most of the larger music stores they offer lessons (for a fee) for just about anything musical. Not only for instruments, but for recording software, etc. as well. I have never taken advantage of any of them, but they seem to have pretty knowledgeable personnel. I would think it may be worth making a small investment (in one or two lessons) to have someone help you get your software setup, and give you a short get-started class to just be able to accomplish your simple goals.
It sounds like you have reached a wall of frustration that is keeping you from getting where you want to go. (That happens to all of us.

) It just might help to have someone who is not frustrated to help you get back to a more peaceful place.

Since you've already invested in Reaper, just one more small investment may get you there.
Good luck!
Steve