Pearl,

I have recommended 26 people for checkrides in the last 3 years, with over half of them being commercial single engine and multi engine. That being said, here is my opinion.

You have 2 options. Those being Part 141 and Part 61. With Part 141 you can actually get your commercial with as little as 195 hours (I think), but I don't know what the cost usually runs. That being the case, you could move directly from your instrument training into your commercial single enging training. I do NOT recommend this route because you will not have enough decision making experience. The first 25 hours by yourself after your instrument are crucial to your development as a pilot. So...

Your next option is to do it Part 61 at a local place. Make sure you comply with the required solo flying requirements before you get to 235 hours. You have to have 10 hours of complex training, and you have to do the checkride in a complex, unless you have a commercial multi engine that was done in a complex. It takes an average of 15 to 20 hours to learn the manuevers to PTS. I have had people do it in 10, and I have had them do it in over 30. It really depends on their level of commitment to learning the profiles prior to getting in the plane. Start your commercial at 235 hours total time. Do it in an Arrow or a Gutless Cutless, since you probably will be able to find one of those reasonably priced. Don't get your multi until after you get your commercial ASEL. That way you only have to do one multi engine checkride (commercial add on), not two (private and commercial). The instructor and DPE cost savings will allow you to build a few more multi hours after you get the rating. My best prepared student did the Commercial single engine in 4 days, and was ready before he hit 10 hours.

Most of all, have fun! That's why we fly!