Back on topic...

I was hired into a prop-trash commuter w/ low-time because no one else would hire me. I had good "experience" lots of turbine multi (earned) but low TT. That being said...

1) Going from a 172 or seminole driving around in FL where there is little WX to a ERJ or E-Jet at RAH or XJet is a handful. Not impossible given the right attitude, but tough.
2) If you don't want students trying to kill you, go drag banners or jumpers...
3) Putzing around does not give you experience in the IFR System (under the hood is not the system)
4) Move at a speed you feel comfortable. If you think a jet is too fast, go fly a 1900 or SF340 somewhere for a year or two. Drive Caravans around, or do the Flight Express deal....If you want to use the commuter as a stepping stone, you may want to ensure you have a successful career at this level. The days of 1000 jet and impressing someone are over. We all have 6-10000 jet and 4000+ JET PIC.
5) I've flown on line and done IOE on people from RAA. Personally, I'm not impressed. Go to Pan Am or FSI.....

That being said, I have had some steller F/O's that only had recip time...Some were only CFI's, but had the right attitude. If you choose to go that route, be a sponge for about 3 years. Don't upgrade until you have played with a 200 mile squall line chasing you across the plains. Don't upgrade until you have flown in icing and had important parts decide not to work. I've seen F/O's from RAA at my company, show up, never fly outside FL and upgrade to sit RSV in FL then get sent to LGA to sit RSV in the winter. That is a rude awakening....

Good luck on any path you pursue...Just remember, if you don't love to fly, you'll be upset. This isn't the fluff job your dad used to have. Give yourself a very HONEST evaluation. Choose the path that is best for you, not just the "quickest" route. You never know when everything will stop...