However, when using the +/- on Live View, is it normal for the lens to almost "take one step forward, two steps back"? It seems like it can't figure out a point to focus on.
In live view, +/- magnifying glass only zooms the display. Nothing to do with lens zoom or focus. Some of us use this function for to zoom in the display for better manual focusing. For myself, manual focus for some macro shots is the only time I use live view. After all these years, I'm actually not super familiar with live view autofocus.
Use the viewfinder for awhile. I know a lot of very new to dslr people feel some comfort in live view because it feels like their point in shoot. I suggest to avoid it and get used to the view finder. There is a lot to get used to it, but once you do, things will become second nature. For now I would suggest viewfinder and P mode and auto iso. This advice will change
a lot after you get some shots to learn from. Read your book on focus modes. You have a few focus modes to choose from and you will probably have questions. I like single point focus, but that's me. Read up on the focus modes and ask questions.