spudskier, this is an age old problem and it is just opening the door into pandora's box and the black hole of avation for you. I'm a captain on the canadian regional jet. It took me a long time to get to this point and I am only now starting to make money at flying. I was extremely lucky. I had parents that gambled everything on me. They took a loan on their house and life insurance to pay for my training. I don't know what else to tell you, but to ask. The road ahead of you is very long and painful, but rewarding. Don't promise to pay anyone back anytime soon. It takes about 7-10 years before you are earning anything near reasonable. ROTC is probably your best route if you can't get the cash. The military is very competitive too though.
good luck,
BBB