I made $136,000 on Airbnb last year renting out homes I don't own. Here's what I tell others who want to try it too.

• Monica Lee White made $136,000 renting out other peoples homes on Airbnb.
• She reached out to 250 landlords hoping that one would let her rent out their home.
• She now works as a property manager and helps others with their own rental arbitrage businesses.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Monica Lee White. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I worked as a flight attendant during the pandemic, but I knew I wanted another source of income. As an essential worker, it was a scary time to be working, and many people in my industry were being exposed to the virus.