Equipment financing to RE Private Equity

Hi All, I graduated from a Tier II with an MBA in finance/accounting in 2000 and have been working in equipment financing ever since. I've held positions as varied as credit analyst, deal structurer, and sales. However, I've overstayed my welcome and want to get into private equity. I'm planning to head back to school to study for an MS in Real Estate or MS in Accounting and then get my CPA. Am I on the right track? Any suggestions on different paths that I should pursue in order to get into PE. I don't have the academic pedigree of a Wharton or Harvard and plan on studying for my MS at probably a Tier II school.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.