SMOBY, I reckon you'd be better getting a charter/scenic gig and doing the IR during employment possibly allowing you to claim it on tax depending on the company you are working for.
Yes that would be a great idea but it seems like most operators want you to have the instrument rating too. Even if you don't use it. Great idea though about being able to claim it back on tax.
Anyway I'll just take it as it comes. I still havent found a good school to do the instrument rating with so I'll hold onto my 20k until something really stands out.