Malc,
LUCK
No rich parents for me either. Not ex mil. Self funded JAA PPL(H)/CPL(H)/FI and MEIR over a five year period, and all in the UK. Expensive yes, impossible no.
Worked as an FI for 12 months before completing the MEIR rating. I was LUCKY and was employed post IR within three months, I had just over 800TT.
There are heli companies who employ FO's. Most insist on an IR to be considered - very few will help fund it.
B73 has even hinted at a possible direction for that all important first good opportunity, if you have the required qualifications.