I was in a similar boat to you back in 2002. I was retiring as a "Jake" from the Boston Fire Department. I thought, now is the time to chase the flying dream. I went to work for a regional airline, unfortunately,the airline dream isn't what is was when my Dad worked for DAL, and I left after only eight months. The QOL is non existant. Pay and benifits are even worse. You will find, as an an adult, that has had a good career, that this will result in your not tolerating the treatment impossed upon regional airline pilots. Also, if it had not been for my retirement I could not have supported my wife and kids. My advice, to a brother FF, is to stay on the job and flight instruct on the side. It will be like dipping your toes in the water and not diving in over you head. You will still get to fly and yet be home with the family. I understand the emotional aspect of wanting to be a pilot, but try to remain realistic. Finally, you are doing the right thing by researching the subject on APC.

Best of luck with what ever you do.