Compact mini golf course at a host venue

Players such as campers, brewery visitors, tourists and local families, with the host often taking a lease fee or a share of takings.

Per-round admission or a bundled price with the host's offering. You may pay the host a flat rent or a revenue share, so agree terms in writing before building.

• Negotiating a simple partnership or lease
• Light construction and upkeep
• Customer service
• Local marketing with the host

• Zoning and permit rules for adding a recreation use on someone else's property, check with your city or county
• General liability insurance, and ask whether the host's policy covers you or you need your own
• Dependence on one host, so check lease length and termination terms
• Seasonal weather and slow months
• Accessibility and safety of the playing surface
• Sales tax registration with your state if you sell admission or goods that are taxable

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the number of holes, the theme and the site. Sharing a host's land, parking and foot traffic means you don't have to buy property.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the host's foot traffic and the season. The host may take a lease fee or a share of takings, and weather and slow months can affect income.

Check zoning and permit rules for adding a recreation use with your city or county, and whether the host's insurance covers you. Also check lease length and termination terms, accessibility, surface safety and state sales tax registration.