Passive income: YES

Starting a window cleaning business with the goal of earning passive income is a realistic possibility, but it typically requires significant initial setup and ongoing systems to achieve true passivity. Costs range from $500 to $2,000 for equipment, marketing, and insurance. To make this hustle passive, you would need to invest in automation tools for scheduling appointments and invoicing, as well as potentially hiring employees or subcontractors for the actual cleaning work. While some window cleaning business owners have successfully built passive income streams, it is more common for this type of business to require ongoing effort and management to maintain profitability. It realistically becomes passive for those who invest in efficient systems and processes, while it may not be truly passive for those who prefer a hands-on approach or have a limited budget for outsourcing.