Please share your insight

Hi
I'm in a desperate need of your input. I'm trying to transition from public accounting to finance but having a really hard time doing so. Let me use bullet points to highlight some key info.

• Graduated from University of Rochester with a Biology degree (GPA = 3.7)
• GRE score = 332
• Took CFA level 1 exam on June, waiting for the result
• Currently working at a small public accounting firm ( w/ approximately 15 employees).
• Financially troubled

As an undergrad, I originally planned on becoming a physical therapist. However, soon after I graduated from college, my dad got a cancer and had to go through major surgeries which cost my family a lot of money. We were bombarded with medical bills, so I kinda panicked and decided to get any job that will offer me a seat ASAP. That job is the one that I have right now, which is working at a public accounting firm. As I work at the firm for over a year, I actually realized that I enjoyed working with numbers and started to look for a job in finance and eventually got interested in pursuing a role in equity research.
I then decided to study CFA curriculum so that I could get more knowledge in this field. After months of studying, I concluded that I really want to become an equity research analyst, so I'm currently trying to network via linkedin and learn some financial modeling on Udemy.
As I wait for the CFA exam result, I've been applying to many companies but haven't gotten any replies. Most
of the companies that I applied to required a master's degree or PhD in life science but I can't afford to go back to school at this moment due to low budget. Heck, I didn't even have money to buy new clothes for over 2 years because I had to pay for my dad's medical bills and my student loans. Also, almost all the equity research roles require some amount of experience in finance related job, which I don't have. Since I don't meet these basic qualifications, I'm having a hard time figuring out how I can possibly work in finance.
So that's where I'm at right now, trying to make the most of what I have but I'm still not sure if I'm on a "right path". I just don't know what to do anymore and I would appreciate it if you guys could share your honest opinion on what I can do to improve my situation. Thanks.