but I guess that just the problem with forums, lots of people not necessary lots of right answers!
Captain Murray,
But what you do have in this forum is the odd chaps who are doing the job and know the scoop!
I would take the advice of 'read these pages' - it does have all the answers and in my opinion, the best course of action for you at the moment! Which, to be frank, is stay as an engineer, do not commit to professional pilot training for at least 2 to 3 years...maybe more!
Regardless of how much money you have to complete the training, this industry has nothing to offer low houred/zero experienced Frozen ATPL holders...you will not reach the final step and gain employment...