Hi,
I'm in a similar position except I have the mental condition that makes me want to fly helicopters instead.
I'm planning to give up my decent paying career job and sell my house, which should net me £80k of equity. I've just done the medical so the only hurdles I have left are all mental ones. i.e. Have I got the balls to go through with it and give it the best shot I can?..
Couple of points to note about the J1 visa scheme, (of which I've been doing a lot of research lately): It will almost certainly restrict you to instructing only for the remainder of the 2 years validity after you finish training. The school you train at will continue to be responsible for you and have to agree wherever you wish to find work. Many are helpful but some I've heard can be obstructive if you wish to go and fly with someone else, even if they have no work for you themselves.
There are no guarantees. It all seems to be about spending your money constructively. You're investing in your future.
Si