Which technology option to start a (mostly) passive income business?

[AdamA]

Hi guys,

If you were going to create a passive income generating business that generates at least $24,000 US dollars a year passively within the next 2-3 years (and hopefully more), which of the options would you choose?

1) Create a content-driven website using SBI (or Wordpress or whatever implementation you prefer)
2) Learn a web "framework" technology (like Ruby on Rails or Django) in order to build an online marketplace like Vacation rentals, private rooms, sublets by the night - Accommodations on Airbnb (helps you find a place to stay at someone's house instead of booking at a hotel) -->Here I'm assuming the owner of the site simply collects a "commission" off the fees paid, I could be wrong, but let's assume that it's at least 90% passive (like Steve's blog) for the sake of discussion if possible
3) Learn to build a mobile application for the IPhone/IPad/Android....
4) Another option I'm not thinking of

Here's my situation: I have some experience with #1 but I'd have to learn #2 and #3 from scratch....The dilemna is do I go with what I already have experience with or try something completely new. Let's assume at this point that I have 4-5 hours a day to devote to this endeavor.

Thank you in advance.

[Lucidism]

All of these options could work, but the execution of them all is what really determines if they will. I think options #2 and #3 have the highest chances of being complete flops, due to competition and difficulty of entering the market. I'd personally lean towards option #1.

[AdamA]

Thanks Lucidism - if I may ask, do you know of anyone who has experience actually doing #2 and #3 - either succeeding or failing with it (and most importantly what they learned)?

[Brutha]

Vacation rentals, private rooms, sublets by the night - Accommodations on Airbnb (helps you find a place to stay at someone's house instead of booking at a hotel) -->Here I'm assuming the owner of the site simply collects a "commission" off the fees paid, I could be wrong, but let's assume that it's at least 90% passive

Why would a website that's 90% passive post job openings for nearly twenty different jobs?

[AdamA]

Brutha, you make an excellent point - I was simply stating an assumption about AirBNB in order to move the discussion forward (e.g., let's pretend AirBNB enables a nice passive income). I have read online of developers making a website with a framework that provides a service that generates a nice passive income for them.

[MyEyeIsOpen]

Don't do that AirBnB option, it's a learning surve that you can't possibly foresee. It's possible of course, but in ten years when you may be good enough to actually execute your plan to start the site, you'll say "doh, I meant to start a passive income stream, not learn to program!"

For the record, AirBnB is a funded company with the best connections in the startup world, and they work like animals, and have done so for years to get to this point. It's not a passive thing.

[AdamA]

you'll say "doh, I meant to start a passive income stream, not learn to program!"

= Ha ha thanks MyEyeIsOpen...I think I'd enjoy learning to program - but you are right, the goal is not to create a job but to free myself from one!

Looks like I'm leaning towards the website Thanks!

[danthony]

I like the #3 option the most. Apps are getting more and more popular to the point that people ask "Do they make an App for that?".

[AdamA]

Great point danthony, thanks!

[danthony]

No worries, let us know what you decide to go with.