I got my ppl when I was 20. You are not even close to being behind the power curve in this industry. I went to a small flight school just outside of Wichita for my IFR thru MEI. Great prices, people, and flying.
www.prairieairservice.com, worked for me, but to each his own...
I only had to instruct for 200 hrs before I was able to find some single pilot IFR jobs, mostly through networking. As far as the ATP, if you go to a regional and upgrade to Capt, the ATP will be awarded concurrently with your type rating if you don't already have it. I wouldn't even worry about that until you have the hours for it.
The best advice I was ever given was to be willing to move anywhere it takes to accomplish your goals(NY to KS for me!) Oh, and to go Guard! Hopefully at 22 you still have that flexibility.