Feb 24, 2026
In the persistently weak U.S. job market (1), side hustles are getting more and more attractive, and one man is encouraging entrepreneurs like himself to tap into the power of passive income — and find life beyond the 9 to 5.
In a recent interview with Business Insider, Nick Copland of Oregon detailed how he and his wife Shannan have transformed their early side hustles into a lucrative real-estate investing business. Among their other ventures, the Coplands make $925 per month on renting out driveways, garages and side lots to those looking for extra space to park vehicles, boats and the like.
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“We list spaces such as driveways, empty lots, and fenced yards on our properties that aren't in use. Once listed, renters book monthly, and we receive automatic payments — no showings, no maintenance, and minimal communication,” Nick Copland said.
Here’s what you need to know about how to generate this form of income, including how to get started, and the risks and benefits to take into consideration.
The paradox of passive income
The Coplands have found a niche in the mid-term rentals market, renting properties to professionals like travel nurses and consultants who may only need a six-month stay, for example. They started out by renting a part of their own home, reinvested the profits, and grew their business to 13 properties. In addition to these rental properties and their parking spaces, the couple also make money in rental arbitrage — leasing a property through their business, then subleasing it for short- or medium-term rentals for a profit. Their passive income streams have allowed them to quit their 9-to-5 jobs to focus on a coaching business, and they now claim to work about 25 to 30 hours a week.
“Working with Shannan has been one of the best parts of this journey. We balance each other's strengths and handle operations together; I handle sales and finance, and Shannan handles marketing,” Copland said (2).
It’s more attractive than ever to search for passive income opportunities as the cost of living continues to rise. However, by definition, these opportunities require you to already hold valuable assets. The U.S. Census Bureau counts passive income as that earned through dividends, interest, or rental properties, and it’s concentrated among households who already have high incomes.
Approximately 20% of households in the U.S. today are earning passive income, to the tune of $4,200 per year on average (3).
The Coplands’ method of starting small with your own means can help you to develop these income streams and find ways to grow them.
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How you can find income streams
Truly consistent passive income requires assets, and starting with a side hustle can help you get there. Some popular side gigs include affiliate marketing, selling photography or art and design templates online, or tapping into your own expertise by creating an online course to generate income.
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Many homeowners, especially in large cities, may be able to rent out parking spaces or an extra room in their homes to short or longer-term tenants. This can be a low-capital way to begin bringing in extra income, and can help you save up to invest in other passive income-generating assets.
However, it’s important to note that these revenue streams also come with trade-offs and legal considerations. For example, renting parking spaces through an app, like the Coplands do, doesn't guarantee income, and the income it does generate may not be steady. Also, depending on jurisdiction, those who rent their homes will need a written agreement with their landlords before they can sublease parking spaces or other parts of the property legally.
As with any side hustle, the key is to balance an entrepreneurial spirit with the risk.
As Copland said: “We started small, stayed consistent, and treated every space — even empty spots — as a potential income stream. That mindset changed everything” (2).
Article Sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.
BBC (1); Business Insider (2); U.S. Chamber of Commerce (3)
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Rebecca Holland is dedicated to creating clear, accessible advice for readers navigating the complexities of money management, investing and financial planning. Her work has been featured in respected publications including the Financial Post, The Globe & Mail, and the Edmonton Journal.
