Image source: Getty ImagesMany people assume that without a large pot of cash already saved, the dream of generating a second income from investing is out of reach. But the reality is that even starting from almost nothing, a disciplined approach can still build a meaningful income stream over time. At that point, drawing a 5% income from the portfolio would provide more than £6,000 a year. While it may not replace a salary, it represents a valuable supplementary income stream, particularly in retirement. Even if starting with almost nothing, consistency and discipline can transform modest monthly contributions into a powerful second income portfolio over the long term.