What job is a step closer to AM from 3 years commercial banking experience?

I've been working commercial banking (mostly CRE deals) for the past 3 years in a mid-size Western city and want to move onto to something else that will move my closer to my goal of buy-side investor. Ultimate goal is fundamental research nano-mid cap equities at AM or Long/short HF. I've been networking like crazy for 6 months, have literally reviewed the 10-k's of every single financial sector and tech sector exchange traded stock in the US to develop a very strong investment pitch, I currently run a small family/friends fund with real money and report every year for the past 3 years. I'm constantly reading books suggested by Columbia Business School's value program, listening to podcasts, and planning to take the CFA Level 1 in February. I say this to say that I'm doing everything else to break in.

Until I land a job in AM, what is a job that is a good stepping stone between AM and commercial banking? I've been looking at Institutional Consultants, smaller Pensions/Endowments with exposure to equity funds. How about PWM? What other analyst jobs give me a better transferable skill set and story to make the transition pre-MBA?