Risk: High

Starting an AI consulting side hustle from scratch can be risky for someone who can't afford to lose money. Beginners in this field could potentially lose money, time, energy, and confidence if they don't see returns on their investment. While there are startup costs involved in setting up an AI consulting business, such as software, training, and marketing, these costs may not pay off immediately, especially for someone new to the industry. Online discussions often mention cases of beginners spending money on tools and resources without getting substantial returns. I'd rate the risk a 1 out of 3 because there is a high chance of losing money and time if not careful, especially for those with limited financial resources.