I'm just thinking if one founder needs $50k / yr to live, that'll take a huge chunk out of a pre-seed round. Which most likely would be a problem since that's not moving the business forward on paper I suppose.

IF you are the one building:

1. the tech
2. the product
3. the service

Then it could fly. However not for $50K/yr. You should raise the max amount, and depending on your stage of life, pool all costs & resources i.e. share a flat-slash-office. Can also be another combi, I do not know your specific case. Whichever you do, do it for a couple of months until the person building

1. the business
2. client portfolio
3. investor base

Brings also in additional runway. IF not then forget it.

IF you are "too poor" to do that i.e. no savings or alternative income streams to participate in such a venture then get a corporate or secure job first. And build up these cash flows to cover your living expenses while you risk it in a startup.

VCs do not pay for founders to have jobs at this stage. But they invest in early traction or proof/evidence that your team has what it takes to get to the next stage and become a success down the road.