[moat]

No I don't think that is usually possible. I think your first idea is correct. Work like crazy to get something working and profitable, and then work to automate it (which is frequently harder than you might think).

Doing this has helped me create bigger things as well. I create a business, more or less automate it, and then use that cashflow to work on other businesses. Eventually creating a portfolio of cashflow businesses, with a few exits in the middle.