Sounds like you know how to make money online!
It sounds like you're already doing it!
The last thing you should do is complain that whatever it took to make that first $500 is too much work. Just do that same thing again, and experiment with different niches, try scaling, etc..
Arbitrage. Local, on-line, travel to an state sales, thrifts store, clarence store runs ( make a map ..do a 10 DAY) 75% off if they both for in a shoe box, get to know the GM. He has given me old shelves, an personal laptop to help, to track inventory, etc
The GMs once they know you will call you the day before they drop tags and I get a good hour to go through a lot.
Everything sells, even if its just to the money back to work with.
Don't let some piss on worker saying you cant be dong what you are dong or even an assistant manager. I pull my phone anc ask if I should bother their boss over this.
Remind then we are doing Corp a favor and clearing shelves for new inventory.
DM< me if you need more tips...I have a store hot list I am making , I wanna get some testing for it.
O killed it in the Lowes light bulb section 2 weeks ago, 90%
PS...this isn't passive work - its a hustle. But your bills will be paid, you will eat, your kids will eat and if you reinvest...it can be a real deal 5-80k a yr gig solo