There must have been high costs involved in the operation plus paying staff/ underlings and his kick upstairs to the administration

But yes, he most likely was the wealthiest mobster easily surpassing Gotti and Paulie. Big Paul was getting kickbacks from construction interests but don’t forget he only received a percentage. I’m sure his businesses made a lot of money too. Gotti was by no means wealthy. Yes he had money but as Sammy estimated several million a year. Out of that he also had to put aside for the war chest ie paying off lawyer fees for members

Not to mention Gotti was no Paulie in that he didn’t demand a huge cut and as Mikey Scars if his testimony was to be believe- gave Joe Watts and Johnny G “carte blanc” over Big apple.