My advice is to stay at the airline until you have a minimum of 1000hrs 121 time. If you're there now, might as well check that block and then have the option of a direct entry captain in the future, it shouldn't take to long.
I can tell you from many years in the helicopter industry, if you're not willing to move for a job, it can be a hard road. Since that is the case on the helicopter side, why not 1st try moving for your fixed wing job. People commute for airline jobs because some situation in life makes it necessary. Still, the overwhelming consensus of airline pilots is that living in base makes the job much much better.
What is your background for your 1500hrs of helicopter time?