Congrats on Skywest!

I am an extremely low time pilot (98.1 TT). I know...I know- what am I doing on this board? I have read this entire thread and have found that you guys certainly know what you're talking about so who better to ask?

Please take a look at my info

- 98.1 TT
- 23.1 ME (1.2 PIC ME)
- Working on Inst Rating now
- Working on Commercial immediately after Inst
- Working on ATP written now
- Following all of that, should have around 350 TT (?? ME)
- Currently have BA degree in Finance / Accounting
- Working on Master's

Not-so related:
- 1,800 hrs in back of helo as Navy rescue swimmer
- CRM Instructor for Navy squadron
- Squadron NATOPS Instructor
- 10yrs in Navy
- Squadron Standardization Board Member

I aspire to get hired at a good and secure Regional, such as Skywest. I know that I still have quite some time remaining until that is realistic, but would love to hear anyone's advice about the best way to get there. Here are a couple of questions:

1. Can someone please tell me a ballpark figure as to their actual take-home pay? I have been studying the pay rules, but have no idea what you guys actually make. Currently I make around $65k/yr. I know that I will take a drastic pay cut...just want to know how much.

2. What is Skywest pay rules?

3. I have a former flight instructor at Skywest who has offered to recommend me. How much weight does that have, if any?

4. Since I have a little while, is the hiring expected to continue through the next few years? I was hoping to be marketable within the next 9 months. Is that realistic?

I really...really appreciate you taking the time to read all the above and posting a response. I will read every reply.

Thanks!