Jeff,
I got my private through a local FBO while I was in college. While I was able to get my ratings there I would not recommend that particual school (or any other small FBO). There were just too many problems. It always seemd like there was an excuse as to why I was not flying; instructor availability, aircraft maintenance, etc. It ended up taking me over a year and a good chunk of change to get my private pilot's license. Looking back on it I should have just waited and gone to an accelerated program for all of my ratings.
Flying in Michigan during the winter is going to be a challenge. Basically any time there are low clouds you are not going to be able to fly due to icing conditions. I would think that you would encounter numerous delays to your training during a Michigan winter.
If you do decide to look into getting your license through an FBO ask them how many airplanes they have (of the same type), how many instructors, are you tied to a particular instructor, and of course their hourly rates. I would fly the cheapest airplane they have, no matter what bells and whistles the other ones might have. When they quote you an estimated price look at how many hours that is based on. You should figure about 65 hours for a private license, if theirs is lower than adjust it accordingly. Also remember that ATP's price for a private includes 85 hours of flying, all of which you will eventually need for your commercial license requirements.
Chris
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