i agree, an instructing job is definately the way forward to build hours...however...i would just like to point out the way you mentioned that you did not want to shell out more money once finished....from reading your post i got the impression that you thought that you would walk into a job with 225 hours...doesnt happen very often im afraid.....with regards to air taxi work, under regulations you need to have a min. of 700hrs to do single pilot IFR air taxi work, which is what you would be looking for.....so if i were you, i would consider the instructor route......either way.....you need to spend money to get anywhere in this industry....
(ps: Please, to all who read this, no bitchy comments for the reply, i am only reading his/hers post as i see it.....i hope that we all, as pilots, can be helpful and offer advice....thank you)