[clearsky76]

Hey Lance -

1. I guess the first thing to do is to find out if you can get your First Class Medical. I'd recommend posting a question on the "Ask A Flight Surgeon" forum of this website. You'll find the best answer there. I had problems with those dot plates as well, and requested a signal light gun test from the FAA. But you either pass or fail this one, and the results are permanent. There are other tests that you can take which I'd highly recommend trying before taking a signal light gun test. Ask the Flight Surgeon about them. So, not to give you false hope. . . I was like you in that I failed the general color vision test, found an alternative and passed. And I now have no restrictions on my First Class medical.
2. And the cost varies depending on the road you take. The ATPs, Flight Safety Academy, etc. will be expensive, but quick. Or you can save some money, and go the FBO route at your local airport. Either way, just get the degree out of the way.
3. I guess you just have to decide how much you want to fly. Do you want some stability in your life? Then go for business and fly for fun. OR, do you want unpradictability, but also not having the "what if" question in your mind when you're 60 years old? Then do whatever it takes to make your dream come true. I guess it's just a matter of how much you want to fly for a living.
4. I will be paying for my flying lessons by savings/loans at an FBO while finishing up my degree, and then after I'm finished with college, I'll head to one of the flight schools down south to finish up whatever ratings I have left.

I hope this helps you out a little. But I guess before you put anymore energy into a desicion, I'd recommend getting your medical taken care of so you'll know what your options are from there.

Best of luck!