Newbie here and currently a non pilot with a few questions on recommendations.

First of all, I have friends with PPL and planes and have flown a lot with them. I absolutly love to fly and have always wanted to learn. Along the way I was never able to get started due to life, wife, kids, responsibilities, $$, etc.

Now that i will be 50 soon, I will have no debt including a paid off mortgage this year, a good deal of savings now, and kids off on their own path and out of the house this year. I plan to have my PPL and IR by the end of this year, and i am looking to slow down from the rat race, and being a full time pilot working for an airline or cargo just doesn't seem to appeal to me. My wife is a full time teacher so I don't need benefits from my employer. I am also able to buy a modest plane once licensed to build hours or commute.

So here is my question, with so many student pilots becoming CFI's to build time to move on, is there room for a semi-retired new pilot to fit in and make a living by just wanting to instruct? I live in Central FL and willing to commute, but not relocate.

Any other recommendations?

Thanks!!