I`d say you`re in a good position to start training. A good idea would be, as you say, to start up soon - but make sure you can pass the medical! It seems as if you`ve dreamt about flying for awhile, and let`S face it, none of us are getting any younger. I would recommend an ab initio course - it`s the "safest" way.
Also, I like your approach to flying - seeing that there`s more than turning on the autopilot in the jets - some hands-on experience is always a plus.
Good luck!