Hi Chris and welcome to Permies!
First of all - great job paying down so much of your debt in such a short time.
Second - some of the most wonderful things about
permaculture are learned for free - even before you have a
PDC. (not saying you shouldn't do a PDC - I'm a PDC instructor myself - but don't put off getting your hands dirty).
Do you have volunteer activities you could engage in where you're at now? I know here in Phoenix where I live, there's usually AT LEAST one
permaculture volunteer opportunity per week during the not-freakishly-hot season. For instance, we may have seed swaps/seed saving workshops, community garden workdays, tree planting parties,
water harvesting installations or just get-togethers of like-minded people for a pot luck. These events could last an hour or two or may take a weekend. They don't involve giving up your day job.
Wishing you the best,
Jen in Phoenix.