I pay cash. I moved from Seattle to Portland, OR specifically so I take a good paying job with swing hours (so I can fly in the day) and training is much more affordable versus Seattle.
I don't have family obligations and have thought A LOT about the academy route but just can't justify racking up a bunch of debt. Sure I'd be "done" a lot sooner but I'm having an absolute blast and just enjoying the journey. It will be difficult for me to accrue much multi but may consider some PFT with Ameriflight or something. Ya red flag I know.
I'm very grateful to be insured on a friend's One Filthy to get me to that ever elusive 250. I'll I have to pay for is gas. Then I can get paid to fly!!!!
Other reasons for the non-academy route... I've been learning in hard IFR (anyone can fly on a nice day and it isn't going to be like that on the line), examiner fees are $175.00 (and most everything else is cheaper), my instructor rocks, I'll be able to teach where I'm training, and the family who owns and runs the place are really nice people.
I don't know if I'll go beyond instructing. Sitting reserve kinda puts a damper on being able to create additional income. Trying to be creative cause I can't live in poverty. One rating at a time.