Solid advice from both sides of the spectrum here. I have some other career opportunities in motion right now as well, so there is a possibility I may not end up going this route at all. If I do come back to this I am leaning towards the rental route though. The prospect of splitting costs with a safety pilot is also very attractive. I am still open minded to going CFI (feel free to message me if anyone is interested). There is just something extremely unapealing to me about doing CFI as a necessary step to the airlines. Of course there is part 135 too, but I would likely/definately have to do some time building and obtain my multi commercial/instrument to make myself more attractive for hire. I really appreciate the insight from everyone one here. Cheers.