Stay in the valley to startup but stuck on h1b

My lawyers are making pessimistic noises about my chances to move smoothly through the pipeline to permanent residence givent he current climate. 4 more years has taken on an even more depressing tone. Given that I have the money to startup, say $250k of my own cash, and would free up a job in an established company, you'd think there'd be a straightforward way to do this.

Has anyone found the right path through the immigration services for this situation? Thus far, my options are either find an awful lot more money (I'd need $1m apparently) or else way it out for some indeterminate number of years.

I have a family here and would prefer not to uproot things.. so although I realize there are many nice places around the world which are an option, I'm really hoping to stay in California.

Any hints?

Marriage isn't an option really as I'm already married. Even as a thought experiment, it'd mean my family having to leave the country while I remarry and so forth.

If it comes to that I'd prefer to just leave with them and start elsewhere (english speaking and decent weather).

As you say though, the system really is unfriendly to immigrants. Even those with a US graduate education and cash to demonstrate they would not be a drain. And don't even get me started on the taxes I've paid.