I know that there is millions of posts like this, I think I've read them all... but I'm still very confused.

About 2 weeks ago I dyed my hair black and it was dark brown with pink highlights, so it would match my extensions.
I took my extensions out a week ago and I'm thinking about Red hair.
I know I need to get it blond to get the red that I'm interested in.
I tried the dish detergent for about a week, and the baking soda mixed with shampoo.
My hair still hasn't faded a bit.
I'd rather not see a hair stylist because we're tight on money... so should I bleach it?
My hair just doesn't take well to bleach so I'm afraid.
Is there ANY other way to fade my hair to light brown or just brown?

These products you've mentioned above will not make your hair light brown. If you want to go from dark to light, you will need to chemically strip the pigment from your hair and then deposit the desired color. Double process, bleaching and toning is a difficult process and should be attempted by a professional only. Please consider seeing a professional.