Risk: High

Real estate note investing through a marketplace platform can be a risky side hustle for beginners starting from scratch, especially if they can't afford to lose money. Potential losses include financial investment in notes that may not perform as expected, time spent researching and managing the investments, energy devoted to learning the nuances of the market, and confidence if initial investments do not yield returns. Beginners often face challenges in accurately assessing the risk and return potential of different notes, leading to potential financial losses. Startup costs, which can range from $500 to $2,000 or more, may not pay off if proper due diligence is not conducted before investing. Online discussions mention instances where individuals have failed to generate profits or have lost money due to lack of experience or understanding of the real estate note market. I'd rate the risk a 1 out of 3 because there is a high chance of losing money and time, especially for inexperienced individuals.