The Schweizer is in my opinion the best training helicopter. I also flew the Bell 47 and I still provide training on a Hiller 12.
I use the Schweizer for primary training unless the student wants to start on the Hiller.
The Schweizer gives me as an instructor a lot of room (the Hiller also by the way).
When you're able to fly the Schweizer right (throttle/rpm control), you can fly anything. No I'm not talking of the R22, but that not used commercially anyway (apart from flight training)
About the hours required; that's not really important, you need a lot of hours anyway.
Nobody is hiring when you have only a minimum amount of hours.