anthonyp, kudos to you on articulating your training goals before commencing your PPL. I shared some of your concerns, especially about consistency in aircraft and instructors, when I was doing my training.

It sounds like you've made up your mind to go with a flight school which I'm sure will be a good move. Don't be afraid to call/visit prospective flight schools and ask what might seem to be difficult questions to understand how a prospective FTU will help YOU achieve YOUR goals. After all, you are the customer.

If you're interested in pursing your career past the PPL stage, you'll end up doing a lot of time building to get the CPL and (possibly) ATPL. That's where the cost and BS savings of ownership being to pay off compared to renting from a school. Especially so if you buy with a partner (the cost part, anyway).

Enjoy!