Heisig method, where it will leave me

I also view the kanji as a large set of ABCs like CharleyGarret. My hindsight recommendation note this and puts them right after the kana. I wish I had done the kanji right away. That said, it is a hindsight desire. I don't know if I, or anyone, would have been dedicated enough to finish RTK1 as fast as I did without more motivation of either "real Japanese", or the frustration of other methods not working (I had so much fun doing RTK1 though that I doubt it, but will never know). I have yet to hear of anyone who has done RTK1 first thing and their feelings about it. Most come around to RvTK later in their studies. Maybe you can be one of the first. And maybe all the motivation you need is a community like this!

Oh, and I just memorized the kanji by brute force and pictograph mnemonics. A week for each with a couple weeks solid review is good. Start with hiragana.