Mate
I think the First Officer position is the easy bit.
The hard part is the studying, training CPL/IR, the job hunting and worst of all the funding.
She is right, unless you have alot of time on your hands, and a load of dosh...its going to be very tough and at times demoralising.
Why the states?
If you want to fly here, (UK and Eire) then you should fly here, it is the best way to learn.
Good Luck