If there are pilots out there with JAA IR ME/EASA IR ME and cant get a job offshore, why do you think they will care about an FAA IR? If you want to get a job offshore you NEED to fit the EASA IR into the budget, they will not even look at you if you don't have it.
I would suggest to do the EASA CPL + FAA IR at Bristow Academy to then "convert" it to an EASA IR when you get back.
As stated, the 14 ATPL exams include the IR exams.