Yes, it is/can be that way.
The point is that it's not the way to go.
You have to go the more traditional route, or you will be suckered.
Get the commercial, then either CFI or short ferry flights, pipeline patrol, banner towing, skydiving, then up to freight, then small charter, etc.
But there will always be the 1 in ten thousand who gets a job after having done a rating, with only 500 hours total - although it would be safe to think that he's got a connection within the airline, such as an uncle or father - who then makes everyone think it can be done.
A few years ago (2005-2008) the airlines were hurting for pilots, for numerous reasons, and they were willing to take on pilots with low time, some as low as 250 hours, whereas normally they require 3 to 5 thousand hours before they will look at you for a first officer position - that's the way it's been for the past 40 years, except for 2005-2008.
So there are several pilots who will tell you that they did a type rating, paid some outrageous amount of money, but now they're flying for XYZ airline, got on with just 500TT, and now have this and that and you should do it too. But, if they were hired between 2005 and 2008, you should discount anything they say about how easy it is to get hired.
However, if you find someone hired 2009-now or before 2005, then find out their story, and see what they did, if you can, you should follow their successful story.
Or better yet, go adopt a father or uncle at an airline.