Plenty of time
Steve,
At 26 you have plenty of time to make this a long career. You can fly in the cockpit now until age 65. I don't see any reason why you can't make it to a Major airline by 35.
Here's what I would do:
1. Don't quit my day job.
2. Shop around for the best price for each certificate and rating.
3. Fly as much as you can stand. If you averaged 25 hours a month that would give you 300 hrs in one year. You would have your CFI by this time.
4. Instruct till you get enough time to get on with a 135 operation or Regional Airline.
5. Build time by flying jumpers, banner towing, meeting people at the aiport and networking.