I Have a Question
 

I am about to start my PPL training next week, but I am trying to prepare my future path.

What is the best way to becoming a freight dog from scratch?

You have to get a lot of certs and ratings to do any type of professional flying. The point of entry is 1200 flying hours, which is a lot of time if you are paying for it. So, to build the time you will need to become a flight instructor. Instruction in aviation is stepping stone rather than a destination like in other fields. You can think about all this while you obtain your private pilot certificate, instrument rating, commercial certificate, instructors certificate, and multiengine rating, and later your Part 135 signoff. That will keep you busy for a year or two. By the way, welcome!

Thank you.

So after I get my hours, then what?

get 1200 hours and go fly for key lime in denver

If I were foot loose and fancy free I might try this one: http://www.flycapeairjobs.com/ Not freight but imagine the seafood you'd get.

I came up through the civilian ranks but the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserves is not a bad way to go. The nice thing is you can still fly for a commuter and fly for the military at the same time. I flew with several guys a my commuter job that were doing that. There are many different paths to take and they all have their pros and cons. Pick which one you like the most and go for it. Good luck!

Freight dawg from scratch is easy.

Get your ratings. Instruct to 1200 total. If you have a little multi, get a job at an Amflight kinda place. If not, get a light twin 135 job to build the multi. Then, get a freight job at a place that has turbine aircraft. Then, work you're way up the ladder.

$$$?
 

...and what kind of entry-level pay might one expect going either of these routes?

18-25k per year.

You could get a VFR 135 job flying scenic and etc... 500TT is the minimum, plus these are good time-builders too