40 Business Ideas For Landlords [2024]

Updated: September 21st, 2024

Interested in starting a business as a landlord in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a landlord could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Landlords?

We put together 40 of some of the best landlord business ideas you can start in today.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other landlord businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a real estate business ($281K/month)

As a landlord, you could supplement your income or even start an entirely new side business by leveraging your existing knowledge of real estate. By stepping into the realm of buying, selling, managing, or investing in properties, you could significantly increase your revenue streams and build a robust real estate portfolio.

Given your comprehensive understanding of property management and market trends, transitioning into a real estate business allows you to capitalize on these skills. With finely honed visual awareness and a strong grasp of building materials and structures, you are already well-equipped to identify lucrative investment opportunities and manage properties effectively. This entrepreneurial move could not only diversify your income but also enhance your professional growth in the real estate industry.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $1,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Started A $500K/Month Real Estate Investment Business

This case study is about T. C. Lewis & Co, a real estate investment and management firm that successfully diversified their approach to include sales, development, remodeling, and construction, with property management being the key to investor doors and organic growth.

Read by 12,052 founders

2. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)

Starting a real estate investment firm offers a compelling opportunity for landlords keen on building wealth through property. In simple terms, this business involves buying, managing, and selling real estate assets to generate profit. As a landlord already familiar with the rental market, you could leverage your expertise in property management and tenant relations to scout lucrative properties, negotiate deals, and manage rentals or sales efficiently.

The allure here is undeniable: the real estate market offers substantial profit potential. Whether investing in homes, commercial buildings, or vacant land, these assets can appreciate significantly over time. Additionally, rental properties generate a steady income stream, providing financial stability and growth.

If you’re passionate about real estate and have a knack for identifying valuable properties, starting an investment firm might be the ideal venture for you. Your existing experience as a landlord means you are already well-versed in the operational aspects, giving you a head start. Success in this field requires diligent market research, strategic planning, and an aptitude for handling complex financial matters. Your efforts could yield impressive financial returns, making real estate investment a lucrative and rewarding business endeavor for entrepreneurial-minded landlords.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)

How We Started A $40M Real Estate Investment Fund

Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.

Read by 13,325 founders

3. Start a virtual events business ($185K/month)

Starting a virtual events business could be a lucrative side venture for landlords looking to supplement their income. With the growing trend toward virtual interactions, driven by the global pandemic, there is a robust demand for online meetings, conferences, and entertainment events. As a landlord, you already possess experience in managing various logistical aspects, which can be crucial for coordinating virtual events.

Additionally, renting out your properties could provide unique virtual event spaces that clients find appealing for themed or exclusive gatherings. This business requires skills in broadcasting, audience psychology, and technology, which are manageable and can be learned over time. Given the rising trend, diving into the virtual events space could allow you to tap into a growing market and create an additional revenue stream.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $897,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 179 days (?)

How Two Friends Started A $13K/Month Online Book Club From Bali

Two friends started an online book club that now has 570 members and generates £10,500 MRR, by addressing the problem of 'Tsundoku,' charging a monthly subscription fee for one non-fiction book, one inspiring meetup, and one custom cocktail, inspiring conversation and community.

Read by 28,618 founders

4. Rent party & events venue ($184K/month)

As a landlord, you could leverage your unused space by transforming it into a rent party & events venue. The events industry is experiencing rapid growth, with businesses and individuals constantly seeking venues for a variety of purposes, such as meetings, conferences, weddings, and celebrations.

Capitalizing on this demand, you could supplement your income or start a lucrative side business by providing a versatile venue for these events. By choosing a niche—whether it be corporate events, social gatherings, or general party themes—you could effectively market your space and attract a steady stream of clients.

This venture not only maximizes the utility of your property but also taps into the growing trend of event-based marketing and relationship-building.

How much you can make: $3,500 — $500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $35K/Month Event Decor Business

Akshay Patel's event rental and decor business, Simply Decor, Tents, and Events, saw an average ticket price of $2,000, as their advertising budget decreased from $20k to $5k, leading to 40% of their clients coming through social media advertising, 30% from expos, and 30% online in google, yahoo, and other platforms.

Read by 17,931 founders

5. Start a cleaning business ($175K/month)

As a landlord, starting a cleaning business could be a savvy way to supplement your income and leverage your existing skill set and resources. You could offer tailored cleaning services specifically designed for rental properties, such as pre-lease deep cleans, mid-tenancy refreshes, and post-move-out cleanups. Given your expertise in maintaining properties, you would have an edge in understanding exactly what needs to be accomplished to keep rental spaces appealing and market-ready.

Venturing into a cleaning business requires minimal upfront investment, with essential equipment such as a vacuum cleaner, mop, and environmentally-friendly cleaning products being the primary expenses. This side hustle could also offer you flexible hours, allowing you to work around your primary landlord duties. By tapping into this need, you could attract fellow landlords or even tenants who value a meticulously clean living environment.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $708,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $100K+/Month Home Cleaning Service For Busy Individuals And Airbnb Hosts

MaidThis®, launched by Neel Parekh in Los Angeles with just one cleaner in 2013, has achieved over $10 million in total revenue by focusing on cleaning Airbnbs and vacation rentals, thanks to its successful remote business model and new-age marketing tactics, and has now launched MaidThis Franchise to expand the business further.

Read by 21,845 founders

6. Start a cleaning service ($128K/month)

For landlords, starting a cleaning service represents a strategic and financially rewarding business venture. You could use your existing expertise in property management to offer professional cleaning services to both your tenants and neighboring homeowners. Given your familiarity with maintaining and presenting properties, expanding into cleaning services could be a natural and seamless transition.

The startup costs are minimal, and you could initially offer your services on weekends or during free weekdays. With the average salary for a house cleaner being $17.32 per hour, this side business has the potential to significantly supplement your income. Furthermore, as you gain experience and build a client base, you could scale your business for even greater profitability while continuing to help homeowners maintain spotless living environments.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 7 hours/week

How I Started A $100K+/Month Home Cleaning Service For Busy Individuals And Airbnb Hosts

MaidThis®, launched by Neel Parekh in Los Angeles with just one cleaner in 2013, has achieved over $10 million in total revenue by focusing on cleaning Airbnbs and vacation rentals, thanks to its successful remote business model and new-age marketing tactics, and has now launched MaidThis Franchise to expand the business further.

Read by 21,845 founders

7. Start a recruiting agency ($109K/month)

Starting a recruiting agency could be a strategic move for you as a landlord to supplement your income and diversify your revenue streams. With a global online recruitment market projected to reach $43 billion by 2027, there's a significant opportunity to tap into a growing industry.

Your experience in managing properties and interacting with tenants has likely honed your people skills, making you adept at identifying quality candidates for various roles. This entrepreneurial venture allows you to leverage your existing network and expertise in evaluating potential renters, translating those skills into matching the right candidates to the right job opportunities.

By establishing a recruiting agency, you could build a business that not only increases your financial stability but also provides a valuable service to employers and job seekers alike.

How much you can make: $100 — $320,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $3M/Year Remote Worker Recruitment Agency

DistantJob is a unique recruitment agency that specializes in finding full-time remote employees, and with $3 million in annual revenue, they offer small to medium-sized tech companies an edge over big competitors who are not willing to hire remotely.

Read by 12,076 founders

8. Start a real estate marketing agency ($87.7K/month)

As a landlord, you're already familiar with the real estate industry, which positions you perfectly to start a real estate marketing agency. By leveraging your knowledge of property management and the market, you could develop and execute effective marketing campaigns that help other property owners attract tenants and buyers. This could include creating engaging marketing materials, managing social media accounts, and conducting comprehensive market research.

With the growing trend of people searching for properties online, your real estate marketing agency could become an essential partner for real estate agents looking to enhance their online presence. The industry demand is increasing, and you could tap into this lucrative opportunity, potentially earning an average of ₹21 lakhs, or even up to 50 lakh rupees with experience and expertise.

Furthermore, starting this agency allows you to network with a variety of clients, further expanding your professional connections and potentially leading to new investment opportunities. If you have strong marketing and people skills, a real estate marketing agency could be an excellent way to diversify your income and grow your business within the real estate sector.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

I Created A $1M/Year Subscription-Based Toolkit For Real Estate Professionals

Coffee and Contracts is a digital marketing subscription service for real estate professionals that has helped over 7,000 members in just two years, with an average monthly revenue of around $165,000, and has grown at a rate of about 5% each month through organic traffic from Instagram and word of mouth.

Read by 11,788 founders

9. Start a skills training business ($94.8K/month)

As a landlord, you could leverage your property management experience to start a skills training business focused on real estate and property management. By creating an online presence, you could offer courses and webinars that teach aspiring landlords and property managers essential skills, from understanding tenancy laws to effective maintenance strategies. This not only supplements your income but also establishes you as an expert in your field.

The global skills training market is projected to reach $47.2B by 2027, providing ample opportunity for growth and financial freedom. With relatively low startup costs, you could quickly build a client base and a robust portfolio, allowing you to charge higher rates over time. This side venture could significantly enhance your income and potentially evolve into a full-fledged business.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $350,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

We Built A $180K/Year Learn-To-Code Community

Online learning community Frontend Mentor has over 200,000 members, with over 1,500 paid subscribers generating over $15,000 MRR, offering professionally designed challenges to improve front-end coding skills with a freemium business model and a focus on real-life experience.

Read by 12,700 founders

10. Start a niche investment platform ($167K/month)

As a landlord, you could leverage your expertise in real estate to start a niche investment platform that focuses on alternative asset classes like properties, collectibles, or even athletic prospects. This specialized online exchange could attract investors looking to diversify their portfolios beyond traditional markets, offering them unique opportunities in sectors they are passionate about.

By utilizing modern technology, you could create a transparent and flexible trading ecosystem that allows for specialized portfolio combinations. This could help you build an exclusive user base, leading to recurring revenue through transaction fees and premium subscriptions, thus supplementing your rental income.

Furthermore, during times of volatile stock markets, your platform could provide brokers and traders with valuable asset diversification options, making it an attractive alternative investment opportunity.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Started A $40M Real Estate Investment Fund

Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.

Read by 13,325 founders

11. Start a travel blog ($119K/month)

As a landlord, particularly if you own properties in tropical destinations, starting a travel blog could be a compelling way to supplement your income. By sharing captivating details about the exotic creatures, clear oceans, palm trees, and other attractions, you could attract a loyal readership interested in tropical island travel.

Your insights on the best sightseeing spots and water activities could position you as an authority on the subject, potentially driving traffic to your blog. Moreover, this increased exposure could lead to advertising opportunities, affiliate marketing, or even bookings for your rental properties, effectively turning your travel blog into a lucrative side business.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

How Two Friends Started A $13K/Month Online Book Club From Bali

Two friends started an online book club that now has 570 members and generates £10,500 MRR, by addressing the problem of 'Tsundoku,' charging a monthly subscription fee for one non-fiction book, one inspiring meetup, and one custom cocktail, inspiring conversation and community.

Read by 28,618 founders

12. Start a travel agency ($174K/month)

As a landlord with a keen interest in travel, operating a travel agency could be an exciting and profitable venture. You could utilize your existing network of property rentals to offer comprehensive travel packages that include lodging, transportation, and local experiences, thereby supplementing your income in addition to your rental properties.

Moreover, starting an online travel agency is relatively straightforward and could be managed alongside your current responsibilities. With market research, obtaining necessary certifications like an IATA number, and effective marketing, you could position your travel agency as a go-to resource for travelers seeking seamless and enriching experiences. Achieving discounts from service providers and charging competitive rates ensures you maximize earnings while enhancing your clients' travel adventures.

By leveraging your landlord expertise and entrepreneurial mindset, a travel agency could be the perfect side business that complements your primary income from rental properties.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $2K/Month Side Hustle Selling Vacations

Marissa Daniels runs a successful travel agency, Spread Your Wings Travel, that hit $100,000 in sales within a year of launch and provides payment plan options for its all-inclusive vacations, and she hopes to help 100 families supplement their income through the business.

Read by 18,092 founders

13. Start a travel company ($259K/month)

As a landlord, starting a travel company could present an exciting opportunity to supplement your income by leveraging your existing knowledge of the hospitality industry. You could design customized travel packages that include your rental properties, offering unique lodging options to travelers. This allows you to fill vacancies in your properties while providing tourists with a distinctive experience.

Additionally, you could extend your services by organizing local activities and transportation for visitors staying in your rentals. By curating tailored trips, you could attract new clientele and increase the visibility of your properties. Building a travel company could thus create a synergistic blend between your property management skills and the travel industry's growing demand for personalized experiences.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $1,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

How We Started A $300K/Month Business Organizing Trips For Young People

Under30Experiences is a travel company for people aged 21-35 that runs small group trips around the world, with over 800 five-star reviews on Facebook, Google, and Yelp combined, and nearly hitting $5M in revenue before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read by 11,081 founders

14. Start a solar energy business ($1.3M/month)

As a landlord, starting a solar energy business could be an excellent way to supplement your income while contributing to a sustainable future. By installing solar panels on your rental properties, you could significantly reduce utility bills and even generate additional revenue by selling the excess power to households and businesses in your community.

This venture would not only make your properties more attractive to eco-conscious tenants but also position you as a forward-thinking entrepreneur in the growing green energy market. By leveraging existing property assets, you could diversify your income streams and create long-term savings and earnings potential.

How much you can make: $600,000 — $2,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $600K/Month Company Selling Low Cost Solar Energy

Clean Energy Solutions, a solar-energy provider based in LA, has grown over 6700% from 2014 to 2019, with monthly revenue around $600,000 and plans to expand its energy-efficient affordable housing division, thanks to its unique solar program allowing clients to save money using solar energy at a lower price than their utility would charge.

Read by 68,099 founders

15. Start a retail business ($795K/month)

As a landlord, you could leverage your existing real estate knowledge and resources to start a retail business, supplementing your income and diversifying your revenue streams. By converting one of your rental properties into a physical storefront or launching an online shop, you could sell products ranging from home goods and electronics to fashion and specialty items. This allows you to utilize your property's space more effectively while tapping into new income opportunities.

Retail businesses offer the potential for significant growth and the satisfaction of directly engaging with your customers. With a keen eye for trends and good market research, you could curate a product selection that appeals to your target market and create a brand that resonates with them. This entrepreneurial endeavor could not only bring in extra money but also fulfill your ambition to take on new business challenges.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $3,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

How We Started A $45K/Month Women's Workwear From Recycled Materials

This case study features LEZE the Label, a sustainable workwear brand that experienced 30% month-over-month growth and eliminated $180,000 in production debt, sharing insights on their crowdfunding strategy, customer-centric approach, and partnerships.

Read by 8,647 founders

16. Start an outdoor sports store ($31.4K/month)

As a landlord, you could leverage your existing property management experience and space to start an outdoor sports store. By utilizing vacant properties you own or leasing out a dedicated space in a high-traffic area popular with outdoor enthusiasts, you could tap into a vibrant market. This venture involves selling gear and equipment for activities like hiking, camping, and kayaking, allowing you to combine a passion for the outdoors with your entrepreneurial spirit.

Additionally, you could consider setting up an online store to expand your reach beyond the local community, potentially increasing your revenue streams. Building relationships with suppliers and understanding seasonal product demand will be key aspects to manage, and hosting workshops or demo days could further engage customers and drive sales. An outdoor sports store might just provide the ideal blend of passion and commerce, offering you a rewarding and profitable side business opportunity.

How much you can make: $1,985 — $125,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Starting A $1.5M/Year Business As A Single Mom

Australian woman launches affordable activewear store with only $150 and now sees over $1.5 million a year in revenue, using Shopify as the sales platform and Facebook and Instagram campaigns as the best source of advertising.

Read by 7,802 founders

17. Become a landlord

Investing in rental properties and becoming a landlord could be a lucrative way to supplement your income or even start a side business. By purchasing properties and leasing them out to tenants, you could generate a steady stream of income through monthly rent payments. In recent years, renting has become increasingly popular, making it an opportune time to dive into this market.

Aside from providing a source of cash flow, being a landlord also offers the potential for long-term investment gains. You could benefit from property value appreciation over time, thereby increasing your overall net worth. Additionally, this venture gives you the freedom to be your own boss, allowing you the flexibility to manage your properties according to your own strategies and goals.

18. Start a kitchen supplies store ($410K/month)

As a landlord with an entrepreneurial mindset, opening a kitchen supplies store could be an excellent way to diversify your income stream. Leveraging your existing knowledge of property management and tenant needs, you could create a tailored retail space where customers find everything from high-end chef knives to non-stick pans. This venture allows you to combine your business acumen with a passion for quality kitchen tools, offering items that cater to novice home cooks, professional chefs, and everyone in between.

This business could thrive on the steady consumer demand for kitchen tools, whether it's for replacing old items or upgrading to the latest trends. By curating a selection of unique and durable products, and setting up an attractive storefront—online, offline, or both—you could build a dedicated customer base of cooking enthusiasts. If you’re looking to enhance people’s culinary experiences while creating a sustainable revenue stream, a kitchen supplies store might just be the perfect business opportunity for you.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $1,100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,499 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Built A $2M/Year Business Selling Barbecue Tools

Learn how Michael "Medium Rare" O'Donnell built Cave Tools into a $2 million per year brand selling high-quality barbecue tools and accessories, and expanded his business by launching Grill Master University, an online barbecue masterclass platform, all while traveling to and living in almost 40 different countries in just the last 3 years.

Read by 13,640 founders

19. Become a massage therapist ($87.2K/month)

As a landlord with an entrepreneurial mindset, you could supplement your income by starting a massage therapy business. The demand for massage therapy is growing, and it offers an opportunity to provide valuable services to the community. By using one of your rental units as a massage studio, you could maximize your property's usage and generate additional revenue streams.

If you prefer to keep your rental units fully occupied, you could consider renting a separate space on an hourly basis for your massage therapy practice. This approach would allow you to tap into a burgeoning industry without significant upfront investment. By leveraging core business skills and the trust you’ve built as a landlord, you could create a successful, side business or even transition into a full-time venture in massage therapy.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $275,000/month

How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)

How I Make A Living As A Professional Cuddler

Professional cuddler, Sam Varnerin, developed her successful one-to-one cuddle service, Snuggle with Sam, as a result of recognising the universal human need for connection and touch, which also led to her opening Sam’s Snuggle School, a course for aspiring professional cuddlers.

Read by 16,853 founders

20. Start an executive coaching business

As a landlord, you likely already possess strong management and negotiation skills, making an executive coaching business a natural extension of your expertise. With your experience in handling various tenant interactions and property-related challenges, you could offer valuable insights into leadership and strategic thinking to high-level professionals.

Turning your passion for helping others into an executive coaching venture allows you to leverage your talent for advising and guiding business leaders, ultimately impacting their organizations' success. This side business not only promises substantial profitability but also provides the personal fulfillment of shaping the next generation of business executives.

By investing in an executive coaching business, you place yourself at the core of the corporate world, influencing decisions and overcoming obstacles that can significantly benefit your clients. This entrepreneurial path can supplement your income while giving you the satisfaction of making a tangible difference in multiple industries.

How much you can make: $48,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 25 days (?)

My Coaching Business Makes $48K/Month With 96% Profit

Case study about the founder building a successful coaching and consulting business generating $48,000 monthly, expanding from real estate to service-based businesses in nine industries, with growth for three consecutive quarters.

Read by 1,025 founders

21. Start a video games development business ($466K/month)

As a landlord, you could consider supplementing your income by starting a video game development business. Transforming your passion for video games into a creative venture allows you to tap into the booming gaming industry. The core of this business involves creating engaging and immersive games for consoles, PCs, and mobile devices, leveraging your entrepreneurial mindset.

Imagine assembling a talented team of programmers, artists, and storytellers who share your enthusiasm. While it's a challenging endeavor that requires teamwork, technical skills, and a deep understanding of market trends, the potential rewards are significant. With dedication, your games could captivate millions of players worldwide, turning your creative ideas into a thriving side business or even a full-time enterprise.

How much you can make: $300 — $1,725,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,400 (?)

How long does it take to build: 272 days (?)

How I Started A $40M-Revenue Business Creating Tabletop Games

How one founder turned a successful Kickstarter campaign into a $40 million tabletop game company with a focus on crafting a few special products each year and using social media to build community and relationships with customers.

Read by 13,321 founders

22. Become a wedding officiant

As a landlord, becoming a wedding officiant offers you a unique opportunity to diversify your income while tapping into the emotional and celebratory aspects of your tenants' lives. You could leverage your established relationships with tenants by offering personalized, meaningful wedding officiations right in their rented spaces. This could be particularly appealing for tenants who seek convenience and familiarity on their special day.

The duties of a wedding officiant, such as personalizing ceremonies and staying current with wedding trends, allow you to build strong community ties and enrich your role as a landlord. Additionally, as an ordained minister or state-licensed officiant, you can complete legal filings, making it a seamless process for your tenants.

Combining property management with officiating weddings not only opens up a new revenue stream but also enhances your reputation as a landlord who goes above and beyond to meet the personal and legal needs of your community.

How much you can make: $50,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

This Couple Started A $50K/Month Business Helping People Get Married in Denmark

This husband and wife duo started a wedding consultancy agency, 'Getting Married in Denmark', which has gone from doing 5-10 weddings a month to 80-100 weddings a month in just 4 years, massively growing their revenue.

Read by 7,310 founders

23. Start a shoe brand ($453K/month)

As a landlord, starting a shoe brand could be a practical way to supplement your income and diversify your revenue streams. Leveraging the steady cash flow from your rental properties, you could invest in minimal inventory to get your shoe business up and running. This industry has stood the test of time, offering ample room for growth and opportunities to scale your operations as your brand gains traction.

Furthermore, the low initial investment required makes it an accessible venture—even with limited upfront capital, you could start buying and reselling shoes at a higher price to turn a profit almost immediately. Combining your skills in property management with your new entrepreneurial endeavor, you could create a balanced portfolio that maximizes both physical assets and retail opportunities.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $4,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 455 days (?)

How I Started A $80K/Month Luxury Shoes And Accessories Brand

16-year-old entrepreneur founds KASA, an online luxury shoe and accessory boutique with over 270 luxury shoes in the collection, generating $80k in monthly profits and exploring expansion into lower-end shoes and custom shoes for the poor.

Read by 21,318 founders

24. Start an online reputation management business ($167K/month)

As a landlord, starting an online reputation management (ORM) business could supplement your income by leveraging your existing experience in managing tenant relations and maintaining good standing in the community. By employing search engine optimization and public relations strategies, you could help other property owners and businesses improve their digital footprints, mitigating damaging commentary while promoting positive content.

Your familiarity with handling property-related reviews and feedback puts you in a unique position to provide valuable ORM services, such as blog outreach and social media cleanup. This venture allows you to capitalize on your PR skills to monetize internet influence, tapping into a billion-dollar industry that spans across both business and personal brands.

Furthermore, this side business offers the flexibility to operate from anywhere, making it an ideal complement to your landlord responsibilities. By branching into ORM, you could diversify your income streams while helping others maintain a positive online presence.

How much you can make: $710 — $550,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

I Bootstrapped A $3.6M/Year Online Review Software In 180 Days

ReputationStacker is a subscription software that simplifies and automates the process of getting more online reviews, helping businesses to manage their online reputation and grow their customer base; currently generating over $300k monthly revenue with low churn rates and a strong customer support team.

Read by 11,505 founders

25. Start a freelance writing business ($62.6K/month)

As a landlord, you could leverage your experience in property management by starting a freelance writing business tailored to real estate and property management topics. This niche expertise could offer you a unique edge in providing valuable content for real estate blogs, property management guides, or landlord advice columns. Your firsthand knowledge of landlord challenges and best practices is content that property-focused publications and websites actively seek.

Freelance writing offers you flexible hours and the ability to work from home, making it an excellent side business to supplement your rental income. Given your already busy schedule, the flexibility means you could take on projects that fit around your existing commitments. With strong writing skills, the ability to meet deadlines, and good communication skills, you could successfully monetize your knowledge in a new, potentially lucrative way.

How much you can make: $700 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 56 days (?)

How I Started A $80K/Month Content Writing Business

How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.

Read by 24,821 founders

26. Create an online course ($83.3K/month)

As a landlord, you could leverage your extensive knowledge of managing rental properties and turn it into a profitable online course business. By creating and selling digital classes, you could teach aspiring landlords everything from tenant screening and property maintenance to maximizing rental income and handling legal challenges.

Develop engaging video lessons and supplementary materials to fill educational gaps, allowing you to share your expertise while generating passive income. With the flexibility to offer self-paced or cohort-based courses, you could cater to a broad audience of eager lifelong learners and monetize your instructional talents without significant startup costs.

How much you can make: $275 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)

How This 28-Year-Old Couple Quit Their Jobs And Make $20K/Month Running A Blog

Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.

Read by 28,870 founders

27. Start a bridal accessories store

As a landlord, you could leverage your real estate expertise and existing properties to start a bridal accessories store, creating a lucrative side business. With the bridal wear market in the USA estimated at $26 billion in 2020, there's significant potential for high income and growth.

You could use a vacant property or a portion of your current rental space to set up the store, leveraging foot traffic and existing clientele. Bridal occasions endure several phases, giving you multiple opportunities to attract and retain customers, from the initial wedding planning stages to the big day itself. This diversification not only supplements your rental income but also allows you to tap into a thriving market.

How much you can make: $50,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

How I Built A Six Figure Business Bringing Asian Culture To The American Wedding Industry

East Meets Dress, an e-commerce store that offers Chinese wedding dresses and traditional outfits, grew to a six-figure annual recurring revenue ($25k/month) in just one year by targeting Asian-American brides in the U.S and high school students looking to wear cheongsams to prom to celebrate their heritage.

Read by 22,313 founders

28. Become a business coach ($55K/month)

As a landlord with experience in property management, negotiating leases, and dealing with various tenant situations, you could leverage these skills to become a business coach. By transitioning into business coaching, you could help aspiring entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of running a business, drawing on your practical experience in real estate management.

Your expertise in marketing rental properties, managing finances, and leadership could be invaluable to small-business owners who are finding it hard to get started, grow, and succeed. Becoming a business coach would not only supplement your current income but also enable you to share your knowledge and help others identify and seize new business opportunities.

How much you can make: $3,500 — $400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,749 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $100K/Month Business Mentoring Dropshipping Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.

Read by 25,778 founders

29. Start a photography blog ($10.1K/month)

As a landlord, you could supplement your income by starting a photography blog, combining your interests in property and photography. By showcasing beautifully staged rental properties, you attract potential tenants while simultaneously engaging with a broader audience interested in real estate and photography. This allows you to use your existing photography skills to create appealing tutorials, gear reviews, and behind-the-scenes content that resonates with both photographers and property enthusiasts.

You could further monetize your blog through advertisements, sponsorships, and offering paid services like photography eBooks, courses, or one-on-one coaching sessions. Additionally, networking with other industry professionals and guest blogging on popular real estate and photography platforms can help establish you as an authority in this niche. This blend of real estate knowledge and photography expertise creates a unique platform that can turn your side hobby into a profitable venture.

How much you can make: $1,200 — $27,400/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Started A Digital Camera Reviews Website That Has 1.3 Million Unique Monthly Visitors

A software engineer turned founder started a digital camera review website as a side-hustle which turned into a successful online publication with up to 1.3 million unique monthly visitors, generating around $1,000 per month, attracting visitors through guest posts, focusing on desirable quality content, and through answering popular questions on Stack Exchange, providing helpful advice for other entrepreneurs.

Read by 6,040 founders

30. Start a computer accessory business

As a landlord, you could diversify your income stream by starting a computer accessory business, leveraging your existing skills in property management and tenant relationships. This venture could involve selling high-demand items like mice, keyboards, speakers, and printers, which are essential for both personal and professional use. By conducting thorough market research to identify popular products and establishing connections with reliable suppliers, you could offer competitive prices and quality products that appeal to a broad audience.

Given your familiarity with managing properties, you could efficiently manage inventory, customer service, and marketing efforts to enhance your business reputation. With a combination of online and physical retail channels, you could cater to a wide range of customers, including your tenants who might need computer accessories for their home offices. Staying updated on the latest trends and technologies will ensure your offerings remain relevant and appealing, helping you maintain a steady stream of supplemental income.

How much you can make: $5,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How I Started A $5K/Month Side Hustle Selling Mechanical Keyboard Accessories

TechKeys, an online retail store dedicated to mechanical keyboard parts and accessories, grew from a hobby to a niche business earning $5,000 a month in revenue by leveraging the buying power of the group buy to manufacture additional inventory and offering them to buyers at a standard retail markup.

Read by 40,201 founders

31. Start an amazon wholesaling business

As a landlord, you could diversify your income streams by starting an Amazon wholesaling business. With existing skills in managing properties and negotiating with tenants, you're already equipped with key business acumen needed to source products in bulk at lower prices and sell them on Amazon for a profit.

You could utilize your flexible schedule to manage inventory and customer orders, turning your downtime into a profitable venture. Additionally, you could benefit from leveraging your property space for inventory storage, reducing overhead costs typically associated with warehousing.

32. Start an online wine business ($575K/month)

As a landlord, starting an online wine business could provide a promising avenue to supplement your income and diversify your investment portfolio. With your existing knowledge of property management and tenant relationships, you could leverage your network to market your wine business directly to your tenants and local contacts, creating an additional revenue stream. By identifying a niche, conducting thorough market research, and navigating the necessary licensing and permits, you could launch a profitable online wine shop.

Additionally, whether you choose to produce your own wine or partner with a dropshipper, your focus on delivering quality service could set you apart in the market. Creating a simple but functional website will help attract customers and drive sales. With the potential to reach a broad audience online, this venture could become a rewarding extension of your entrepreneurial endeavors.

How much you can make: $150,000 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $400K/Month Selling Wine Online

The Wine Spies is an online wine marketplace, founded in 2007, that only sells wines it loves and has a fiercely loyal customer base that has kept the company profitable and growing steadily with over a decade of exceptional service and value.

Read by 19,763 founders

33. Start a money lending company ($20.2M/month)

Starting a money lending company could be a lucrative venture for landlords looking to supplement their income or create an additional stream of revenue. As a landlord, you already have experience assessing tenant creditworthiness and managing financial transactions, skills that are directly transferrable to the money lending business.

With a strong understanding of your local market and existing relationships within the community, you could offer competitive loans tailored to individual or business needs, including personal, business, and mortgage loans. Additionally, by offering competitive interest rates and prioritizing top-notch customer service, you could attract and build trust with potential borrowers, thereby creating a successful and sustainable side business or potentially a full-time enterprise.

How much you can make: $7,000 — $100,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 730 days (?)

How I Started A $300K/Month Money Lending Company

How a mortgage broker used $1000 to grow a leading hard money and NON-QM lender, grossing over $3m and offering some of the lowest rates in the industry by specializing in private unique loan programs with the largest variety of mortgage loans and programs nationwide and closing loans within 7-10 days.

Read by 31,248 founders

34. Start a grammar checking app business

As a landlord, you have a unique opportunity to diversify your income by venturing into the tech sector with a grammar checking app business. Your experience dealing with rental agreements, tenant communications, and property listings requires precision and clear language—skills that translate well into developing or managing a grammar checking app. By identifying common errors and crafting solutions, you could create a tool beneficial not only to your own business but also to other landlords, property managers, and tenants who value clear communication.

Launching a grammar checking app could start as a side business, allowing you to test the market without significant risk. With time and growth, it could become a main revenue stream, especially given the increasing demand for digital tools that enhance productivity and accuracy in written communication. This endeavor not only supplements your existing landlord income but also positions you as an innovative entrepreneur adept at addressing real-world problems with tech solutions.

How much you can make: $50,000/month

Our AI Writing Tool Won 'Startup Of The Year' And Has Customers In More Than 150 Countries

InstaText is an AI-based online writing assistant that helps non-native speakers improve their English, with over half a million active users from 150 countries worldwide, bootstrapped from $0 to $50k monthly revenue in two years and quadrupled their sales in 2021, becoming Slovenian Startup of the Year and expanding to web applications and browser extensions.

Read by 4,042 founders

35. Become a recording artist

As a landlord with access to multiple properties, you could leverage vacant spaces to establish a home recording studio or rent out a portion of your property to aspiring recording artists. This not only provides a steady income stream through rental fees but also opens doors to collaboration and networking within the music industry.

Moreover, being involved in the recording artist business can diversify your investment portfolio. By creating a unique niche in your rental properties, you could attract a specialized clientele willing to pay a premium for the convenience and tailored environment suited to their creative needs. This could also lead to opportunities for profit sharing or co-ownership of projects.

36. Become a business consultant ($205K/month)

As a landlord, you could leverage your extensive real estate experience and industry knowledge by becoming a business consultant for other property investors. This endeavor would allow you to guide less experienced landlords on property management, tenant relations, and maximizing rental income. Your practical insights and hands-on experience can position you as a valuable advisor, helping others navigate the complexities of real estate investing.

Given the increasing demand for business consultants, this can be a lucrative side business or even a full-time career change. With a bachelor’s degree and a focus on developing a professional network and web presence, you could effectively attract clients and grow your consulting venture. By sharing your proven strategies and successful practices, you could build a thriving consultancy that supplements or surpasses your income from your rental properties.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,600 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

I Built $140K+ MRR SaaS With No Audience & Sold It For $3.5M

This case study is about a founder who launched a paywall platform for content creators in 2019, bootstrapping it from $0 and eventually selling it for $3.5M on Flippa, with the platform generating between $125,000 - $142,000 in Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) on 95% margins.

Read by 10,038 founders

37. Start a pet cbd products ($30K/month)

Leveraging the booming pet CBD product market presents a lucrative opportunity for landlords looking to supplement their income. As a landlord, you could easily position yourself to tap into this growing trend by incorporating pet CBD products into your business offerings. With over half of American households owning a cat or dog, the demand for pet health and wellness products is continually rising, especially ones that address common ailments like anxiety, arthritis, and pain relief.

You could start by conducting market research within your rental properties to gauge interest from tenants, many of whom might be pet owners seeking natural remedies for their pets. Establishing an online or physical outlet for pet CBD products could diversify your income streams and provide valuable amenities to your tenants. Additionally, offering such products could increase tenant satisfaction and retention by demonstrating your commitment to enhancing their overall living experience.

How much you can make: $18,000 — $42,000/month

How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)

How We Started A $16K/Month CBD Dog Treats Company

Dope Dog, a CBD dog product company founded by Michael and Erin, went from 1 product to a full line of 9 products within a year, generating $18K in monthly revenue through organic growth and word of mouth marketing.

Read by 13,311 founders

38. Start an adventure sports booking app business

As a landlord, starting an adventure sports booking app business could be an excellent way to supplement your income. Leveraging your experience in property management, you could use the app to connect adventure enthusiasts with local sports providers, from kayaking rentals to rock climbing expeditions. By tapping into the growing trend of adventure tourism, you could attract a diverse set of customers and create additional revenue streams.

Moreover, this business could be synergistic with your existing tenant base. If you own properties in popular tourist areas, you could cross-promote your app to your tenants and visitors, enhancing their overall experience while increasing visibility for your booking service. This dual approach not only maximizes your rental income but also establishes you as a local community connector in the adventure sports arena.

39. Start an adwords website business

As a landlord, you could leverage your experience in the real estate market to start an AdWords website business dedicated to providing valuable rental property insights, tips, and resources. By creating high-quality content around topics such as property management, tenant screening, and maximizing rental income, you could drive significant traffic to your site, turning it into a profitable venture through targeted AdWords campaigns.

This side business could effectively supplement your income, providing a new revenue stream from clicks on ads relevant to your audience of fellow landlords, tenants, and real estate enthusiasts. Additionally, by promoting your own rental listings through tailored AdWords campaigns, you could fill vacancies more quickly and efficiently, giving you an edge in managing your properties.

40. Become an entertainment lawyer

As a landlord, you could leverage your skills in managing rental properties to branch out into the legal field as an entertainment lawyer. Your experience in negotiating leases, handling contracts, and understanding property laws provides a solid foundation for navigating the complexities of entertainment law. This legal specialty involves reviewing contracts, protecting intellectual property rights, and advising clients in the entertainment industry, thus offering a lucrative opportunity to diversify your income streams.

By establishing an entertainment law practice, you could tap into the vibrant world of music, film, television, and digital media, all while maintaining your property management duties. Your dual expertise could make you an invaluable resource for clients seeking legal counsel with practical real estate insights, paving the way for a successful entrepreneurial endeavor.

meet the author
Pat Walls