Shock1
Take the $23500 that you would have spent at the start of the AAPA course and spend it yourself on some good flying training at various schools. That way you will learn what the quality differences between schools. If you then start the rex program you can negotiate a better deal than just paying your $90k.
You are less risk to them as you already have some of the flying done, you will be out quicker and have broader knowledge.
Have a close look at the return of service commitment to Rex. They have deliberately put in some incentives (loan waivers) at various anniversaries to keep you on. How many other airlines offer retention bonuses?
If you really want the good oil - go hang out at Wagga for a while and speak to as many cadets as you can find, then go hang out at a regional RPT terminal (without looking like a security risk) and chat with the SAAB driver with the least number of stripes!
If you have got kids in school have you considered the implications on them of being shifted around the country frequently as you progress?
GCS.
P.S. Good luck with the PPL.