BTW, not to flame DCA, but I also disagree about DCA planes being in "awesome" shape. DCA's Ellington planes are better than some, but "awesome" is a stretch. There have been times when both Seminoles were down and checkrides had to be postponed. That costs you money because by the time planes are back in service and you can get back on the examiner's schedule, you need another practice flight before your check ride. Happens a lot. It may sound strange, but you can get your instructor ratings faster at an FBO.