I transitioned from marketing to software development at the age of 37yo. I studied full-time for 8 months until I got my first job as a junior frontend development. I had a few very basic projects on the personal portfolio (not Github though) that I do think helped get the job. But most important is that I applied to jobs that had code assignments to do at home. As a junior with time, those were a blessing. I could prove my skills without counting on college credentials or experience.

I accepted what you would call a "super low pay" though, and I think you should too.

I think it is ok, and actually fair in most cases to accept as low pay as a junior development for your first job. Once you are in, you can get promotions/raises on your company or apply to different jobs for promotions/raises.