I can't believe I'm going to say this...I agree with Sky on this one. In this circumstance it seems foolish to head out to the regionals given your situation. Odds are the regional airline culture of today is worse than what it was for a major when you were an A&P.
I'd say keep on flying the way you are and maybe try to find some type of per diem/part-time gig at a 135 outfit. Sounds like your current self-employment allows you to dictate your own schedule. A 135 outfit may need a part-time guy for right seat work (granted not always loggable) which may fulfill your professional pilot flying desires without having to take a massive pay cut and QOL hit that you would in the regional game.