Without a CS degree of some sort you're going to need to prove you can code. Dabbling helps but you'll need to show work experience.
Getting work experience without a CS degree likely means taking jobs that aren't otherwise appealing.
Contracting or freelance can be a way to get that experience since the bar for proof is often lower, especially when working in non-technical industries.
But those are jobs, and they pay money.
If you have the financial means and can attend a reputable school, I'd recommend getting the masters, or even a bachelors.
Having that degree, and learning what they teach you in a CS program, will help you get a much better job and will help you perform in that job earlier than learning as you go.
You're going to need to make the call if you can afford the short term financial hit/investment.