If you just want to do an elk hunt, there's a ton of places in Colorado and Montana where you can hunt with an outfitter on huge private ranches and the tag either comes with the hunt or is OTC.
I never understood playing the app game for elk just to go with an outfitter when you can have a great hunt any year and not have to wait years to draw the tag.
What are you fundamentally after? If it's the high wide and mighty without paying a ton, there are states with districts where you are virtually assured of drawing a tag over the counter. If you put in for Wyoming this year and didn't get it, as far as I know your odds are real good for next year in the regular hunt.
If you want meat, start with a pro or at least have knowledgeable hunting partners. Outfitters are paid to put you on animals, plain and simple. Good ones know where they hang out, and how to hunt them to give you a reasonable chance on a good shot, provided you hold up your end of the bargain.
Most states and places you can hire an outfitter after you draw a tag. Then again, if you are seriously considering going that route, it probably makes sense to contact them, explain your (points) situation, and see what they recommend. Often there are tags set aside just for clients of outfitters, which can make a wait for a tag a lot shorter. Before you commit to any outfitter, look at the reviews on outfitter resources on this site and make sure you get one that successfully guides bowhunters. There are lots of threads about how to maximize your chances of getting a good outfitter. Read those and follow the advice. There are few things more frustrating than paying good money and getting a dud guide. Those folks are out there, but there are some really good guides too, who can greatly increase your odds of ending up with a good shot at a bull.
In my opinion there are few things in life better than a good bow elk hunt. If you've seriously got the hankering, do your homework and make it happen,
I regret not getting out west sooner. The scenery and time in the mountains alone is worth it. Any elk hunting experience you can get in the meantime is a bonus