Another option for getting a plane is to join a club and use their plane(s). May or may not be feasible, depending on how long you'll be here. AOPA has a flying club directory by airport. Here's the listing for Merrill Field.
https://www.aopa.org/destinations/airports/PAMR/details#flyingclubs You'd just have to call around and see who has a conventional gear plane. Probably not worth it for just a taildragger endorsement, but who knows?
