I have a friend who flips rare shoes, and makes about $500 for each pair. Granted, he waits in line for hours to get them; but since they only release a set number, he sits on them until they are no longer available. A pair of $250 shoes can easily sell for $1000 a few days later.
Other folks decide to do the same thing with Goodwill clothes. Dive through the racks for Polo and Nike; folks pay big money for vintage and obscure wardrobes. These two options, of course, are not reliable, and take more time and energy.
Selling herbal tinctures and lotions is solid, and depending on the climate, many of the necessary herbs, leaves and berries can be grown at home. Making tinctures is a long process, similar to pickling; but, making lotions and aloes can be done in an evening. They can be sold online for a solid amounts of money, and there are also many local vendors who accept business from “neighbors.”
Writing training plans is another way to make cash. I know some folks who charge between $10-50 for a monthly training schedule. Prices vary, depending on the need of the client. If they just want a running schedule, it’s cheaper than if they want a dietary plan, running and lifting schedule. After a short conversation about someone’s past accomplishments, current status and future goals, it doesn’t take too long to tailor something for them.
If none of these are interesting, there’s always the option of hiking through the woods in search of ginseng and mushrooms. (That’s a joke...) $1,000 a month can definitely happen in a variety of ways. Don’t give up hope, and my advice is to make a bigger goal than $1,000.