I'll have a go at answering the question related to cost.
My PPL cost in the region of £5,500 here in the UK.
I have done some 80 or so hours since my PPL, at a cost of around £100 per hour once I average it all out (including my Night and IMC). Although I've never sent the forms to the CAA! (something I must do for my night rating).
For the more serious stuff, I am doing my ATPLs at Bristol Ground School (distance learning). This costs £2000 for the course. Plus £720 for the exams. I'll budget on £800 for accomadation/petrol and food for the residential part.
The flying bit:
ME/CPL - £6500
IR = £12000
Exams: 2 x £607 CAA fees. (CPL and IR)
£300 landing fees
£1200 for twin time to do CPL and IR tests.
MCC - £4000 ( I know it can be cheaper, and more expensive, but this is middle of road. I plan on doing mine with CTC which is £6000. )
Accomodation for 12 - 16 weeks for above flying course - £2500
Still have to pay my mortgage while I'm away: £2500
Instructors course: £6000 (I'll do it at my local school, so just my at home costs).
All in all:
£52,000 ish? (less if not doing the instructors rating and MCC). Plus the huge medical class 1 fee, and each renewal. It could be done cheaper in the US.
I'm taking unpaid leave from work for 4 months. This will cost me a huge amount of money too in lost earnings. (enough to pay for all the serious flying).