Yeah, but 6 is bigger than 4, numerically....

Purple is not completely trying to discourage you from becoming an airline pilot, but his points are still completely relevant to your current situation. 2012 is 3 years away and even if it happens like most people think it will, there will be little to no movement until then. There is no rush. Why take out a $45k loan that is going to eat you alive while you try to CFI? Also, does that ATP program include your CFI certs? If so, is ATP in a position to hire you? Thats about the only way to get a CFI job right now...train for the position from within. Do your CFI training at the place you want to work if you anticipate room for yourself there. Could be different in 6 months.

Take it from a guy in debt...pay as you go. Live at home and get a job to pay for your ratings. Its not glamorous now, but its nice to be a CFI and actually be able to take a girl on a date every once in a while, instead of paying monthly on that loan that could pay for a lease on a BMW (or 2 BMW's in my case).