Breaking Into a Big Market

About 12 months ago, I left my role as an Analyst in Acquisitions to enter a larger market. I moved in with a relative of mine while I searched for jobs in CRE (primarily Analyst positions for PERE or Brokerage firms). Over time I interviewed at several places and built a decent network but never landed a job offer and after 2 months I ended up working in operations for a BB Bank in order to pay the bills and get an apartment.

Fast forward 9 months, I'm hating my life and end up quitting the gig in operations with the hopes of sticking to my original plan of landing a job in Commercial Real Estate. I feel like I've wasted so much time but still haven't given up on my original goal. I'm considering brokerage and property management as a potential career although neither seem as sexy as an Analyst position with a PERE group or investment sales team.

I'm about 3 weeks in and have already had 3 interviews and about 6 coffee sit-down meetings with higher ups in companies I am targeting. No offers yet but I can probably hustle for a another 2 months before giving up.

Does anyone have a similar experience or any success breaking into a larger market at an entry-level? If so, what resources did you use to get momentum in your search (cold emails, job boards, professional resume help, RE Seminars...?) How negatively will not having a job or experience in my market impact my chances?

Lastly, what entry jobs do you recommend if your dream job is Managing an Acquisitions Team or Development/Re-Development? I'm looking at Construction, Property Management, and Leasing although neither of these roles were my original choice when I started searching for jobs.

Thanks for reading my post and sharing your insight.