I vote CFI then instruct. It will be cheaper than your own plane and the flight hour quality will be higher. Some of the larger schools will assist or train up to CFI, then you owe some time.
Another option may be one of those air mapping outfits. You need to put yourself in the fast lane, stay there until hired.
Don’t mess around with a few hours at the local FBO, go instruct at a pilot mill in FL or AZ.