Advice on breaking in from Corporate Development ?

Hello all. I was hoping I could get some advice from you on my long term goal of getting into PE.

Some background:
4 years out of undergrad
Went to semi-target with 3.7 GPA
Graduated in 2009 – not many people were hiring, so went to work in corporate finance (asset planning, back-office) for a Fortune 500. After 2 years transferred to Corporate Development and have been actively involved in deals/taken over lots of responsibilities.

So my questions are:
1. Can I get into PE firm directly now from Corporate Development?
2. If that is unlikely, and PE is my final goal, what can I do now to eventually get there (i.e. try to get into an ibank for 2 years, try to get into M&A consulting, MBA + CFA, etc)?
3. Do I have a time limit before I get too old to enter?

I am currently studying for the CFA 2. Would completion of that along with MBA give me a better chance of getting a foot in the door? I know Corporate Development is a pretty good gig as far as corporate finance goes, and I am actively looking for new jobs right now to try to get into Oil & Gas (I’m in Texas); Are there any positions I should stay away from if PE is my goal (corporate planning, reporting, etc)?

Thanks a lot for your help!