I instruct in AZ. Came here with CFI only, then got company-paid CFII (one year commitment). When I had CFI only I was doing only PPL and ranging 30-70 hours a month. Once I got CFII I was able to log 100-120 a month. Get your CFII. You don’t want to forget all the IR knowledge before getting to the airlines anyway. MEI seems to be a waste of money these days if you already have your 25 multi.
AZ weather is flyable almost every day of the year. CA not so much