This couple has made over $1M upcycling furniture and flipping homes. Is 2026 the year to start your big side hustle?

Core Insights - The Dobsons have generated over $1.1 million in revenue over the past five years through upcycling furniture and flipping homes [1][2][3] - They initially started refinishing furniture to save costs on furnishing their first home, which led to a side business that now supports their family [1][2] - The couple has transitioned from traditional jobs to full-time house-flipping, documenting their projects on social media for additional income [3][4] Financial Performance - In 2024, the Dobsons earned $95,000 from a combination of social media content, brand deals, and the sale of their renovated home in St. Petersburg [4] - The average gross profit from house flips in the U.S. has decreased to $70,000 in 2024, indicating a decline in profitability for house-flipping ventures [4] Market Trends - Approximately 45% of Americans engage in side hustles, but only 10.5% earn more than $1,000 monthly from these activities, highlighting the challenges of turning hobbies into profitable ventures [5] - House-flipping is becoming less lucrative compared to previous years, necessitating strategic approaches to mitigate risks [4][6] Risk Management Strategies - The Dobsons mitigate risks by living in each home they renovate for at least two of the five years before selling, allowing them to benefit from IRS capital gains tax exclusions [6]