PE Recruiting in in another city

Hi all,

I am currently a first year at a top energy IB firm in Houston. However, I am interested in recruiting for a PE job in NYC. How does the process work for people who are trying to relocate cities? Obviously, it would be hard for me to head to NYC for a coffee interview or dinner on a weekday, so does this automatically put me at a large disadvantage to NYC based applicants? What is the typical process for someone in my situation, and how can I position myself to be a serious contender for a NYC PE firm?

If anybody has been through a similar transition/process and wouldn't mind me asking you a couple questions in private too, you would be my hero.

Thanks!