Some U.S. colleges will give you professional credit that will reduce the amount of classes you have to take. Trying to get hired without a college degree is VERY tough.
Get on with a regional that offers a fairly quick upgrade. 1000 hrs of TPIC was, and still might be, considered a major improvement in your resume.
Without a 4 yr degree the 1000 hrs TPIC is almost worthless.
Major airlines don't care about your time in type. It counts towards overall experience but it's not like Europe/Asia where time is type is a requirement. You could get hired by a company that has A320's and get assigned to 737's if that's what your seniority holds.