Same here. I've a mini TH10 with maxed mines & collectors. Also 3rd DE drill going to max soon (last level 6).
Internal income already funded 2x inferno L1, 3x x-bow L2, all other upgrades need at least 1.5M or higher.
AQ 12, BK 8, all internally generated.
However, walls are all pink L6

Army camp still 200x instead of 240x, but is ok since it doesn't raid.
Drop your trophies to below 1k. I manage to stay there intact 99% of the time. Only very rare will get heavy attack from GoWi... even L6 Giants can't take all, most of the time quarter-loss.
And this account started less than one year ago. The best is TH10, since got extra mine/collector/drill each.
All builders from gems achievements and chopping down trees/gem boxes, including the 5th one.
Haven't snipe to Crystal yet.
3500/hr x 24 x 7 = 588k/day
Collecting 7M for L3 x-bow is not that hard, about 12 days.
I collect from this account 3-4 times a day. Breakfast, lunch & dinner (Gordon Ramsay UHC

). And supper.
Currently upgrading:
inferno to L2
x-bow to L3
saving DE for king L9 (aiming for L10)
saving elixir to max 3rd drill
saving gold for next 7M x-bow L3
At such low trophy level, x-bow is better defense.
Best time ? Wait for the 1-gem resource boost
Final journey, is to be feeder troops.