Here's what you do. Go to the school/university of your choice. Get your CFI and a four year degree. Get out, get a job as a CFI. Work a year. If you do that, you'll have no problem getting a job at a regional.

Will some riddle guys or bridge folks beat you to the shiny jet? Yeah, maybe by a bit. It takes four years to get a four year degree. So, a riddle guy might beat you by a year at the most. Was that worth the money? I don't think it would be for me (and I'm a riddle grad).

Take the extra year (max). Get some seasoning and life experience. Save some money. I don't think you'll go wrong.