so ive been flying for about two years now, got my part 107 last spring, and i keep seeing people online saying they make decent money doing real estate shoots and inspections and whatever else. my day job is fine but its not exactly exciting and i keep thinking like... could i actually do this full time or at least on the side to start.

the thing is i dont really know anyone whos done it so i cant tell if the people posting income stuff online are legit or just trying to sell a course. like is there actually consistent work out there or is it super seasonal and feast or famine. my area is mid-sized city, not huge but not tiny. would love to hear from people who actually made the jump or tried to and it didnt work out, both would be helpful honestly.

honest answer from someone whos been doing it about four years now - it takes longer than you think to get steady clients but once you do its really solid. real estate was my entry point too and yeah its seasonal in a lot of markets but i started picking up construction progress shoots and that stuff is pretty consistent year round. the course sellers are mostly full of it, the actual work comes from just showing up and talking to local realtors and contractors in person. boring advice but thats what worked. side hustle first is definitely the smart move, dont quit your job until youre regularly turning down work because youre too busy.

im kind of in the same boat as you so cant help much but following this thread. i did do one paid shoot for a friend of a friend and it went fine but i have no idea how people actually find clients consistently. do you have a website yet or are you just thinking about it still