Small homesteads can make money through selling raw materials at flea markets, or by manufacturing artisan goods such as cloth, cheese, butter, etc. While starting out, it may be tough to fund all your expenses purely through homestead income. Oftentimes homesteaders who are just starting out will maintain a side job, cut their expenses, or take out a loan. Quick, low-investment options to quickly turn a profit include anything that can be sold as-is. This includes eggs, honey, raw vegetables, etc. Handmade goods are labor-intensive, and take time, but can be priced much higher for the extra effort taken and artistic/homegrown value. Craftsman items can be perfected and manufactured without needing advanced machinery or equipment.
Truly, a homestead can churn out as much as you put into it. It's worth it to investigate your local market, and talk to other homesteaders to see what's worked for them. There's a wide demand for hand-made, home-grown goods, and many are willing to pay quite a lot for the amount of labor you've put into it.
