Jeff....the avenue I chose has certainly enabled be to become a flying instructor and now well on my way to CPL.
What I mean is that I used some aviation consultants who specialise in the helicopter industry and helping people into it whether for just the pleasure of a PPL(H) or planning a career for CPL(H). Some people prefer to "paddle their own canoe" but from experience it certainly pays to have taken impartial advise on issues such the UK v's USA. There web site address with all their contact details is
www.plh.co.uk Good luck! Any probs , give me another shout.