- Whats the best way into becoming a pilot = Depends on your individual circumstances
- How on earth do people cover the costs = Depends on your individual circumstances
- How can you be sure that after shelling out thousands, you'll find work within the industry and be able to pay it back = you can't. In any career.
- Is it really feasable or realistic that a guy like me could achieve this dream? = Depends on your individual circumstances.
With the best will in the world, nobody can answer such vague and general questions. What's best for one is not best for another.
The "facts" (i.e. rules and regs) regarding training are simple enough to Google - get googling and get ppruning.
No-one can answer the other questions for you. It's wet and raining outside - I bet the instructors at your local flying school are just drinking tea - perhaps you should phone and arrange to see one for a chat.
Cheers
Whirls