I went the long route, military 4 years Navy Aviation Machinist Mate, flight school while working for part 91 and part 121 operators. The main question is what are your objectives? Do you want to work on aircraft or fly them? What type of flying do you want to do? What income range are you expecting to earn? I have worked with a lot of folks with an A&P and commercial license that wrench to pay for flight time to get enough hours that the local Part 121 operator will hire them. Personally I would do the classroom time , A&P license in hand, ready to make money.
Hope this gives areas for thought.
Good luck
