Nuttyrotor, what i was meaning is if you are going to spend your hard earned cash why not do it with guys with experience and contacts. These guys are all over the country flying or doing checks etc. Last time i checked they where still charging for there services , so no they dont fly for free....and i highly dought that guys like that would reccomend you do a 500 , 350 , EC120 , lawnmower rating to make you more "employable".
oh and buy the way is Nuttyrotor your real name also.....