A squared, you're right, no real correct order.
As far as pipeline flying, down in Texas, some companies hire low time pilots to fly single engine and multiengine pistons to inspect oil pipelines and pumping stations, as inspecting visually from a plane is more efficient than a car over the large expanse that is Texas. I know a few guys who have done this instead of going the instructor route. There is no actual certificate, sorry if I wasn't clear about that. I was just trying to point out that there are options to get paid and fly other than instructing.