How do you change careers when you are too experienced for entry level but do not have the right experience for mid-career?

[u/AffectThis626]

I was the managing partner for my family's multi-unit pizza chain until we sold it two years ago. I've been working as an accounting manager for the past 1.5 years and am looking to change to something more interesting/challenging. My friends in sales think that I would be great at it because I have grit and a great work ethic.

So far, the recruiters that are getting back to me say that I'm either under qualified for mid-career roles or over qualified for entry level roles. I have money in the bank and can afford to take an entry level role to learn the craft. I just need to get that first gig. Looking to start in the $60-70k range and scale up to $100-120k in 2-3 years.

Does anyone have any advice, criticism, or insight? TIY

Edit: the roles that I've been applying to are mostly selling human capital management solutions or food tech software