"CaptainCriticalAngle" - "go through an FTO that has really good contacts"
RED ALARM BELLS should go of when somebody writes such BS!
The truth is with no connections it will not be easy, but do not believe the FTO's will give a flying toss about you after handing them over £100.000, is extremely naive!
Starting now at 45, your chances are probably going to be very small to get an airline job. Of course depends on various factors, are you willing to go anywhere, and work for peanuts, even then it is very hard.
Family, children, house ... are you good to work for many years with little or no rewards, free time etc.
Big questions, with not enough facts to decide, but your odds are against you, not impossible, but not so positive outlook if you want an honest answer.