Awesome, dude. You've got the right mindset, for sure. Make them tell you, "No," because, until then, you don't know for sure that it won't work. Send as many apps as you can, even if they say "no waivers" because it's all good practice. Even more so, you never know who might see your packet and think you'd be a good fit for ### unit and reach out to their buddy there to pass along your packet.
And I'm flattered, dude, but my story and background is no better than anyone else's, by any stretch. I got lucky, for sure, but I also created a bit of my own luck by trying to get my best foot forward and put as much legwork as possible to remove as many potential hurdles as possible.
Keep up the good work! Start firing out applications (I have a little time, so feel free to shoot over your packet if you need another set of eyes) and apply anywhere you think you'd consider being. Have good (legitimate) reasons for applying to any unit you do and sell yourself to the best of your ability. It's not impossible until the last fighter unit says, "No," right?
Good luck!