Do the 40ME track. It's far less expensive and if you stay on with ATP as a CFI, you'll be getting paid to build multi time.

Financing: they probably get a referral fee of some sort, but there is also the high likelihood that they've established those relationships so that the money flows with as little surprises as possible. You can finance with anyone that will loan to you, though. Regardless of your financial arrangements, the full cost of the program is paid in four installments. Yes, they will refund any unused money on your account should you withdraw early. I know from personal experience.

You'll need a cosigner for the loan most likely. Choose wisely. I had a score in the low 700s and my cosigner had a score in the mid 800s and Wells Fargo said nope, despite my cosigner and I having accounts at Wells Fargo for the past 20 years. Sallie Mae approved my application within 24hrs.

Plan for the worst, hope for the best post training. Assume you'll only get the "min guarantee" as a ATP CFI and plan accordingly. Learn to love Ramen.

I run an iPad Mini 4 with ForeFlight and like it. The iPad, though, runs hot. I bought an X-Naut cooling system for it and with the optional strap, I can use it as a kneeboard. I find that I'm always bumping it with the yoke, though, so I might have to investigate other mounting options. Website: https://x-naut.com/

As for storage size, get the 128gig version. I think ATP requires the Cellular capable version for the integral GPS, but you don't need an active data plan to use the GPS.