For what its worth, I think its a great time to get started. By the time you meet the requirements rating and experience things should be on the up swing. Currently you will be met with instructors that are not overloaded with students and you will get the time you need to understand what you are learning. I would go to a local FBO and get your training vs a pilot mill. Personal experience I've tried em both and one is no better than the other. Also don't get a degree in aviation! Everyone that I know that has one has regretted it. You may have the bug for life now but life lasts a long time. You may some day wish to get out of this business and unless you want to be a weather person no one is going to give two hoots about your understanding of the upper level atmosphere.

Here is the BIG thing. Under no circumstances give anyone your money!!!! Pay as you go, in this economy it would not be unlike a big or small school to go out of business after spending your money on account and leaving you with nothing. If a school wants a deposit I'd give them no more than $1000 up front.

Someone recommended keeping your FA job and flying when you can, in this market that's about the best advise you can get, there's no rush at this point. Might as well take your time and save a load of money.

Good Luck, don't listen to the nay-sayers if this is what you want to do you'll need to see for yourself if you like it. There seems to be a lot of get rich quickers on here that frankly I wish would get out of aviation if they can't afford or don't want to be here. Then at least they'd open a spot on the list for those of us that do.