Ryan
Please, please, please dont put ANY money up front. Admittedly it was a long time ago, but I did all of my training pay as you go( PPL and CPL ), and I did it in the minimum time. I paid when I came BACK from my lesson. Admittedly again, I paid almost nothing for the theroy, it was done at TAFE in those days, but I can see no justification for paying for any service in advance. The time it takes will depend on you. It can be done in minimum time if you are dedicated and you have the right school.