I'm more or less going this route. My current plan, if I do strike out completely, is to enroll non-degree near my hometown and build some credentials & relatio

I'm more or less going this route. My current plan, if I do strike out completely, is to enroll non-degree near my hometown and build some credentials & relationships in the local department while working. It's a top 50 Mathematics program, so it should still provide what I'm looking for.