I just want to throw in another perspective since OP is trying to get as much information as possible.

I just want to put a little caution about the "Go to small mom and pop FBO and train there." I did both the Part 61 world and Part 141 world. Now, my 141 school was NOT a "pilot mill" as many of them are. It's a 4 year program that gets you a degree from a state University (can be in Aviation or anything else). At 126 hr/wet (for Archers with instructors) I like to think it is a smart way to go and not get rushed through 0 to hero.

One of the biggest problems I have with the part 61 world is the minimal education. I am NOT saying part 61 instructors are bad or poorly educated, but the quantity of aviation material I learned at my 141 school FAR exceeds what I got when I was part 61. Taking classes SOLELY on systems, learning the intricacies of engines, airframes, etc over a 16 week course. How much time does a part 61 instructor spend on systems? A week? Maybe 2? Also I got to take courses in CRM, advanced jet systems, human factors, and human performance in engineering. The wealth of knowledge I got here I think puts me far ahead of someone who just went to a part 61 school and got their commercial multi. Not only in basic knowledge, but the CRM and Human Factors courses really gave me a new perspective on aviation and how to approach situations. If anything, I think it will help in an interview and during part 121 training. In my advanced systems courses, we spent time on the King Air and EMB 145 - types of airplanes I have a good chance of training on after CFIing. Even if I dont, I at least know how to use things like: setting EPR, ACARS, FMS, bleed air, air conditioning (Packs and Phase change), Jet systems, weather radar - all sorts of stuff that I wouldn't have gotten before. That won't sell me at an interview, I know, but when in training if I already know the basics of how to use weather radar, I'll be at least one step ahead of the game.

Finally, at bigger 141 schools you have a good chance of getting your CFI AND getting a job as an instructor since there usually is a steady flow of students (yes, it does fluctuate). At your local 61 school, even your instructor is probably only working part time, so there is a very slim chance of getting anything. Some people would say CFI parttime while working another job and that may be possible, but even parttime CFI jobs are tricky to come by. Another thing, at my school I get a wide selection of student levels. From Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial or even CFI. It helps mix things up instead of ALWAYS teaching slow flight, steep turns, stalls. I go from teaching those maneuvers, to instrument approaches, to steep spirals, to fundamentals of instructing. I know some people who teach part 61 for a few years and they say it gets exhausting teaching the same thing day in and day out (although some will say that's all the airlines are and to "get used to it.")

So there is my rant on 61 vs 141. Each has their own merit but I wanted to show that there is positives to part 141 schools. They are not ALL your $50,000 0 to hero to street 90 day programs.