I was in almost exactly your situation 10 years ago when I started my PPL. Immediately I got it, I moved on to an SR22, bought one in the US and did my instrument rating in it. I now fly about 250 hours a year in it.
As I live in the South, I can't really help with advice about training in the North East, but can help with advice about the process and Cirrus ownership. If you would like to chat about it, please let me know and I will PM you my phone number.
I hope this helps