I have $20k cash to start my life over. How should I spend it.

EDIT 2: Expected a few comments, not hundreds! I’ll leave the original post below, and up top here, post my general response to the comments.

My first step is to wipe that collections debt, hopefully negotiating it lower.
A surprisingly smart and exciting suggestion is to travel cheaply for the next three months in a place like SE Asia. I’m considering places I know in Mexico, or Argentina as well. This allows me a few months to put off the car and rent question, and possibly get my credit score back up a notch.
Some suggestions to find a new job. The job I have already is my “new job”, in a career I’m excited to be in, with lots of opportunities for growth and promotion.
I qualify for unemployment during this offseason, so that brings in helpful income. I also have skills that can make money online.
Loud and clear: HELL NO on a $20k car. To those who say I should go carless, “move closer to work”, or take public transit, these just aren’t options for the rural mountainous area I live in. Most recommend a $5k car, which will be feasible in my area, but I’m still considering something up to $10k with a bit less wear and age. I’m trying to find the balance between peace of mind with my finances and peace of mind with my vehicle.
I’ll have plenty of options to rent and roommate in my area. Not too worried about this one.

Thanks to everyone who input their advice, even the rude ones. If there’s something specific you think I should know feel free to dm me. Unless it’s about an “investment opportunity”.

#ORIGINAL POST

Due to a series of unfortunate events I have no car and no home. Currently staying with a friend.

I do have a secure job that pays $60k gross and health insurance. However that job is seasonal - after my last paycheck in December I only have this $20k to hold me over until I start up again in mid March.

Using calculators online I’ve calculated:

I should spend no more than $1300 on rent, preferably less than $900. This is doable in my area.

I should spend no more than $20k on a car, with a max $500 on a monthly car payment. Anticipating a 16% interest rate, and a $5k down payment, this is also doable. (Edit: This part is clearly a big hang up. These numbers were from the research I did today. I’m thankful for the advice against it but can’t respond to every comment about it. To answer FAQ, yes, I absolutely need a good car. My job and area needs it. On top of that, my personal hobbies and passions revolve around a good off-road worthy vehicle, so there’s the personal life-satisfaction element involved. No, I don’t need these things, was just hoping to try and plan ahead for that.)

My credit score is 588 - far worse than I realized. I thought it was improving, it was 620 last summer. An old store card got forgotten and went to collections. It’s about $2000 to wipe that debt. I don’t know if paying it right now would improve my credit score enough to improve my chances at renting a place - either way, I have the income stubs to prove my ability to pay.

Here’s my rough breakdown of how I could use the $20k I have

$5000 for down payment on a car
$5000 set aside for rent for January thru March
$2000 for collections
$3000 for transitioning costs like applications, moving
$5000 for living costs like groceries, gas, and phone

How does this sound? What am I missing?

Edit: Additional note: during this offseason I qualify for unemployment, which most people in my job do.

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