This post is probably too late to save you from spending more than you should on flight training. If you don't mind going part 61, you can get your private for around $5-6k in 45-55 hours. Check out 82J Ferguson aviation academy in Pensacola, Fl. Ferguson Airport | your western gate to the sunshine state. I spent about $36,000 over the course of three years to obtain a commercial rating with 250 hours. The most challenging part was building time after private rating. I highly recommend getting on board with a local flying club and splitting costs with other pilots to keep your expenses at the range I was able to. Let me know if I can help in any way. 8 years experience over 2200 hours TT.