I found some teachers and profs who took some things for granted and would skip steps. I found a tutor who took me back to the very beginning and would explain every step, and by leaving nothing out made a difference for me perhaps this might help. I am very visual too and algebra unfortunately is very linear. It can be graphed though, so if you can find a tutor willing to do this, this can help for representation and understanding as well. It is important to find someone who can help to explain it in a way that you can understand. I had better luck in finding high school or middle school teachers to use at tutors who were usually very willing, patient, and were better teachers at explaining than grad students or college profs. Call the local schools to ask if someone is available and that has a reputation for being helpful. You will get it, with patience, determination, and in being kind to yourself. Just think of it as a simple puzzle to be solved and nothing more than that. You can do it! Good luck!