Passive income: YES

Becoming an ATM operator can potentially lead to earning passive income, but it requires significant initial setup and ongoing maintenance. Costs range from $5,000 to $20,000 for purchasing and installing ATMs. To make this hustle passive, you need to set up reliable ATM management software for monitoring transactions and maintenance needs. Outsourcing cash loading and maintenance to a third party can also help in achieving passive income. However, it's important to note that not everyone reaches a fully passive income level with this hustle. While some operators report passive income streams after a few months of operation, many continue to be actively involved in managing and servicing their ATMs. Misleading expectations include the belief that passive income will be immediate or easily achievable without consistent effort. Realistically, passive income from ATM operation is more likely for individuals who have multiple machines and efficient systems in place to minimize manual intervention.