A couple of things from a gray area retiree...

First, your military retirement pay will be more than your regional pay for the first few years (assuming you retired from active-duty military). If you can, live on your retirement pay alone. I am living on regional pay plus a small pension from a previous employer. My National Guard retirement pay kicks in at 60.

Second, as a new-hire, at any level, you will likely be on reserve. The duration depends on the hiring rate at your carrier and how long it continues after you are hired. I only did two months of reserve as a new-hire. At my previous carrier, it was seven months as a new-hire.

Third, most regionals have a reserve guarantee of 75 hours. You'll be paid 75 hours if you don't fly at all or fly 74:59. Above 75, you get straight hourly rate in most cases. When you are on duty, you will receive expense pay of $X.XX per hour/ time away from base (TAFB). Think of this as BAQ/BAS but much less. If on an overnight, it's usually tax-free.

I commute, but have been able to get overnights at home. I had one trip with three consecutive nights at home. That was nice. Commuting sucks, but the alternative is unemployment which sucks a lot more. If you have the chance to be based where you live, take it. I will be transferring soon (I hope!) to a city where I can commute and drive, if needed. I did this at my previous carrier and that wasn't too bad but still not as good as living where I was based.

Good luck!