Hammer_Deus said:
I live in South Carolina … I understand working remotely will likely reduce my options for potential positions which is why I'm trying to figure out the best way to build experience until it is time to move. Is working remotely common in the gaming industry?

It's common to work remotely due to COVID concerns, but it's common to work remotely within commuting distance. The pandemic has changed things a lot, but you need to be aware of the “location, location, location” reality.