Thanks for the responses! It wasn't my intention to imply 141 is better than 61, I just have no experience in part 61 as a student or instructor. Based on my familiarity with the process, you are correct, I believe in either situation the quality of the instructor will determine the quality of the training.

I am in the southwest suburbs around Naperville but I would be willing to travel the suburbs to get a plane.

Any local flying clubs that anybody is aware of?

I'm not sure if owning or even owning shares would be a worthwhile endeavor, we just started discussing the idea of training seriously so I want to put my ducks in a row, but I will pass him the information.