Possible New Driver

Hi all,
New here. I currently work in the aviation industry. I make about $49k a year. I do not want to stay at my company or in the industry. I've been interested in the trucking business for awhile, but the negativity seen across several articles and forums has kept me away from pulling the trigger. I have some questions, but first just a little about myself to help get better advice:
I'm married with two kids. A 2 year old and a 5 month old. My wife is perfectly ok with me being gone for long periods of time. She likes to travel to see her family, so she could take advantage of my away time by travelling while I am gone. I am 26, was in the military for 6 years, and currently pursuing a meteorology degree. I know the industry is flooded with meteorology prospects, so I want to pursue a Masters then start looking for meteorology jobs. I live in Fort Worth, TX. I do not have a CDL yet. I still have full GI Bill.
1) What can I expect to make in the first year driving? I know it depends on company, but what's an average for newbies? Since I make 49k now, I'd to be close to that to maintain quality of life for my family and I.
2) Can I collect Post 9/11 GI Bill housing allowance at all in the training process, or will that not work since the company pays for training?
3) I love to drive, travel, see the states in their glory. Do I have to start as a regional driver before I got OTR, or can I just go straight to OTR?
4) If I do decide to be a trucker, what company do you guys recommend?
5) As a follow up to number 1, what is earning potential say in 5 years? I don't want to be stuck at a single pay amount for years.
6) This may be later, but my best friend who I've known since high school is interested in team driving. Do you really make more money, or is it minimal, or the same?

Thanks for any help and ask any questions or add anything you see fit to add. Have a good day and stay safe.

 

Lots of great information. Thank you. I just need to get my CDL and I can't afford to take all that time with no pay (3 weeks or so). That's why I asked if the GI Bill paid housing allowance during CDL training. My friend can't pay for training since he has to pay out of pocket and won't be able to do that for a few years, so right now I think I'd do solo.

 

I appreciate the input. I work night shift now and have been for years so I never see my wife and kids anyway. I'm used to it. Honestly, I'm severely burned out at this job. Dread going to work every night. The works. I wouldn't mind being OTR so I can technically be my own boss and see the states.

Also, you think that $49k is just not possible as OTR? Or were you saying that for regional?

 

Do any of these have paid training to obtain a CDL? As I said, I don't have one yet.