I imagine this topic is brought up quite a lot, but I wanted to hear from others in the industry (or on the road there.) Six years ago, with high hopes I got my FAA PPL (I am from Texas) and starting building x-country time. However, as the expense of flight school and a career path arose, amidst hearing all the horror stories of tens of thousands spent with no or little work I left aviation for something I could make money in.
I am now working overseas, but I can't shake the flying bug. I am married and have two kids, but I am still young. I am scared to death of risking everything and doing one of those expensive accelerated courses in the states, so I have been considering over the next six years or so, steadily plugging away at building time and ratings, with the hopes of in six years getting a regional job or a instructor position. I would actually like to eventually fly in the Mid-east or asia. Is patience the best route that may pay off or should I just scrap the idea? Thoughts?

With a family it would be best to be patient imho. Work on those ratings as a hobby while you keep your day job, then maybe sometime if the timing is right, you can always turn your hobby into your career.

Just some food for thought... once a "hobby" becomes your job.... it is usually not as much fun anymore.

You have the right idea. Do your flight training as a hobby and enjoy it. The job market for pilots is not worth any more than that. Take care of your family and when they are up and gone then you can go pro if you want. By then things will change, you should realize that entry level flying is not as exciting as you once thought.