IR training is not difficult if you have time to study your training notes thoroughly, provided the notes are good of course. A simple PC trainer is helpful. The most difficult thing if you get a job is to find enough time to study efficiently, ie without being tired by a full day at work. Take your time for the IR, don't rush it, make a thourough revision of your notes after each lesson, and take lesson n+1 only if you have fully assimilated lesson n, choose a school with good and thorough training notes. IR is very structured, you can learn most of it at home.
I would recommend to separate in simple steps: CPL, IR SE, MEP-IRME.
I also would recommend to keep a simple ATPL exam (com VFR) to take just before your first CPL lesson, so that you can have the full 36 month to complete yout training. Note that CPL IR SE must be done in 36 month (including paperwork), and that you have time afterwards for MEP IRME.