Career question

[Polarbear]

Im just over a year out from getting my A&P license and have a question for all regional airline pilots out there. I have free rent available to me after I graduate so Ill be able to save money to put towards finishing my pilot licenses pretty decently. Which would you think would be taking the better route:

A. Take a job with American Eagle or Skywest as a mechanic where I could make better money to get my licenses quicker then work part time as a flight instructor(probably wont build hours very quickly)

B. Take a job with a flight school in one of the areas I have free rent at where I could work as a mechanic until I have my CFI then go to working fulltime as a CFI.(build hours quicker)

Would working as a mechanic for an airline that I would like to work for get me an interview with less hours than the minimums listed? Im also thinking if I get into a line mechanic position it will be a great way to network. From what I understand though mechanics at both those airlines can do 50 to 60 hour weeks which would not leave much time for instructing or finishing up my licenses. Any airline pilots with these companies have any opinions? I spoke with a Skywest pilot last month in Denver after a flight there and he said he knew a few pilots that were mechanics for skywest first, so I'm just wondering. Any Expressjet pilots know if working as a mechanic for them first would get me on easier?

Thanx

Mike