Hi Night-Hawk!
Your case is in a way similar to mine but of course with it's differences.
I started my PPL license a few years ago and at the same time working to pay my license and today i'm a PPL holder with around 65hours flying time. In february i'm going to start my ATPL course and i'm 23 to turn 24 in march, and you where worried about your age.. My friend.. we both still so young yet, i have meet people with 33 years that started the ATPL course leaving a house with kids, wife and work behind them to go for an ATPL
That day i meet this guy my point of view changed completlly and realise my self that i was still a kid compare to some people.
From my point of view i recommed you to get your PPL done and the night raiting and build some hours. That is the best you can do right know... then when you join a school make sure you can get credit for your experience.
But be careful, i believe there is a max of hours before you join an ATPL integrated or modular, if so 150 hours requiered to join via modular course witch will be the cheaper option for you or an integrated, more expensive but more complete.
Know when it comes to your college it's a personal decision, but i my self moved from one country to another before i was done with it and because of the language i had to start all over again from first course.
So i lost some years..
Everything that you learn each day is a plus, specially if you go for thoose 3 year education, because don't forget that a comercial pilot license is not just about flying.. you have air law, aerodynamics, human perfomance..everything extra that you learn in that college will be a plus for later
If you are so frustated that you want to start right know do so, enjoy and good luck!
Cheers;
/niko