Since you already have some fixed wing experience int he UK, I suggest you go to HAI in Florida to do the professional helicopter program JAA and FAA. That way you're prepared to get jobs everywhere in the world. There are numerous threads on getting the hours so I'm afraid I'm not going in to that right now. If you are absolutely sure you want to go for it, as you say, just do it and don't try to get guarantees. There are no guarantees what so ever.