Career Advice Private Equity

I am in a unique situation. I started out my career in sell side ER for 3 years at a middle market firm. Later transitioned to a relatively new/unheard of lower middle market PE firm for 2 years. I am currently working for a relatively new/unheard of investment banking firm that focuses on the middle market. I have no MBA. I would have liked to stay on the principal investing role, however, although I closed a few deals on the PE side, the majority of the time was really slow. I would like to transition to a decently reputable middle market PE firm either as a pre mba or a post mba. What is the best path to take? I understand that it is very difficult to land any job now. I appreciate your input.