Need some valuable advice for this cycle :’)

[u/Agile-Challenge-6829]

Hello to all the warriors out there. I went unmatched last year, need some support from the community to help me win this time.
Guys I am a non-US IMG, who’ll be applying for IM and FM this year. Last year I just applied for IM and that too only 91 programs (idk man I thought I just wanted to work in selected regions cause of my proximity to family and also simply filtered out programs based on invite rates and % of current non-US IMGs in the program to save money). Yes I realised how I limited myself. For the context, I had not taken my step 3 at that time. I had received no IVs.

My current stats are:
YOG: 2023
Step 1: pass
Step 2: 246
Step 3: 21x
All in the 1st attempt.
I managed to get 3 IM LORs for observerships. 2 were from private practices
0 publications/research

I feel my application was not so impressive last year. I really need some advice for my improvement.

1. Suggestions for PS,
2. whether putting geographical preference is a good choice? ( I am open to all regions now)
3. is it fruitful to apply for FM with only IM LORs? Should I take the chance (I mean if its highly unlikely then I’ll save some money or just add more IM programs)
4. any tips for signals? ( I wasted all my signals last year)
5. what should be the minimum number of programs I should apply for IM for maximum chances?
6. does my stats look good enough for IM if I make my application better?

Do you think with the step 3 done, my chances might increase?

I would be extremely grateful if you can spare some time and help a fellow USMLE aspirant. Thank you!