You seem to be inherently motivated. As noted you have transferrable skills that are desirable, and an ability to showcase them. So do so. If this is where your passion lies, all the better.

Read up: Quora.com Study up: Khanacademy.org

Any potential workplace you meet with will glean far more from your enthusiasm and expertise of a topic than most degrees.

Hire character, train skill.

Lastly you have to consider relocation as part of the equation. Got to go where the work is. This may lead to a step back in lifestyle, but is just part of the ride...