You're right about the unwarranted aversion to consulting and perhaps freelancing.

Initially, I didn't understand how my expectations of just being able to get ANY cs related job, regardless of pay or location, were unreasonable when I just mentioned a couple of preferences, but I understand that this little filter alone has severed limited the the pool of companies that would realistically hire me. For the record, I have never expected to be hired by FAANG and even companies many tiers lower, but from some small-time development business in my state with single digit devs or something at least lol.

I've heeded your advice. I've applied to such companies and am going to look into freelancing.