Don't Know What To Check Next.

I seem to be at a standstill. 2 days ago my 97 4Runner was running just fine. I was out and about, made a quick stop, turned the truck off for about 3 minutes, left the hazards on, get back in, turn the key. And nothing! No sound as if it was trying to start, no dash lights lit except the battery warning light (which remains on as long as the key is in the acc. Or On position), power locks and windows don't work no matter the key position, as well as the radio and windshield wipers. Interior dome lights work fine, horn works fine, and headlights and hazards work fine. Ended up having to have it towed home seeing as it wouldn't even start with a jump. Fast forward to today when I finally got a chance to putz around with it a bit. I've researched a lot and found out what the main culprits could be so I started the trial and error there. Battery seems to check out fine and I even let it sit on the charger for a good portion of today. All fuses are in tact, ignition switch checks out, as well as the starter and it's relays and components. How I've come to that conclusion is in the oddest way.I actually got it to start! Now this is the part that's throwing me through a loop. In order to get any kind of reaction, I have to take the starter wire in the ignition harness. Touch it to a constant 12 volt. And turn the key. Then and only then do the rest of the dash warning lights light up and with the key held in the crank position, the power windows and locks will function, and I can hear something spinning from the engine compartment which I am assuming is the starter. Now, in order to get it to actually FIRE up.I HAVE to jump it. So only with the ignition harness starter wire connected to a constant and a jump will it start. SO my question is. What could the problem possibly be? Oh, I forgot to mention, once it is started and running, I immediately disconnect the starter wire under the dash from the constant power as to disengage the starter. Which, it will then run for a while, but eventually it seems as if the power dissipates and it will just die out all together as if the alternator is bad and the battery has run out of juice. Any ideas on what to check next or what a possible cause could be? Any advice or help is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!