Startup cost: $500 - $5k

Setup costs range from $500 to $5,000 for starting a rental arbitrage side hustle. On the low end, this would cover essentials such as rental deposits, basic furnishing, and initial marketing. For those aiming to do it right with all recommended tools and services, the high end includes additional expenses like professional photography, premium listings on rental platforms, and software for managing bookings efficiently. Essential costs include security deposits, furniture, linens, cleaning supplies, and initial advertising. Optional expenses might include hiring a cleaning service or investing in higher-quality furnishings. Hidden fees could include maintenance costs, utility bills, and unforeseen damages. Online discussions suggest that while it can start low-cost, expenses tend to increase once commitments are made. For a friend looking to take this seriously, I would advise budgeting between $500 and $5,000 to cover initial setup and operational costs.