Texas has reciprocity with a lot of states. It's one of the states where I'm licensed and I've used it to get into other states. Check into it.
Totally understand putting it off to some degree, but it is also helpful to be able to show some effort, even if it doesn't pan out (or maybe especially so).
Compliance I would think would have great possibilities for you with where things are now. In-house type job might be a good bet.
