To add onto the discussion about pilot compensation there's a great thread on what guys around here made in 2018. See here:

End of year salary survey

Also, for the OP, I did my 1st Class Medical yesterday. Cost was $220 and one hour of time. Easy enough.

My 1st Class Medical is scheduled for the 21st. Cost me $170. Let's hope they don't find anything scary.

Going to the doctor always reminds me of going to a mechanic. They find stuff wrong that you didn't think was wrong and it's going to cost an arm and a leg to fix.

Yay!! Medical passed. No issues.

That was the last obstacle. Time to put engines to full. Ready for all the challenges that await me.

Wow! I am glad I found your post. I too am seriously contemplating getting into this industry at the ripe age of 39 (40 this summer). My medical is scheduled for this Friday. I'm in south FL, you wouldn't happen to be in the area?

No sir, I'm in the rural mountains of Central Virginia. Good luck with the medical. I hope all goes well for you.

What are your plans for flight training? FBO? Flying Club? Zero to Hero school?

I'm going to go to a local flight school. Just haven't decided which one yet. ATP was an option but after reading some posts in this forum I think I'll reconsider. I have an American Flyers very close to me, I think that's where I'll end up.
What route are you taking?

There's a local small flight school that should be able to get me to MEI for around 40k, I'm not starting from zero though.

I'm also looking into a Flying Club. This could cut my costs but more importantly they have all low-wing aircraft, which is my preference. Most of my hours are in a Piper Cherokee.

Where are you located? It costs $250 the lowest here in New York

I used to fly in NY when I was in high school. Republic airport.

Currently I reside in the mountains of central Virginia. Beautiful, low cost of living, generally good natured people/neighbors.

Don't think I'd ever go back to the more expensive fast pace of city life.

are you attending American Flyers or ATP? I heard ATP is sh*tty, but pretty much the same as any others. How's your experience with American Flyers?