I rent out my backyard pickleball court to strangers. I've brought in $1,600 this year and even hosted a proposal.

Courtesy of Michael Thompson

• San Diego resident Michael Thompson built his backyard pickleball court to kick off retirement.
• He started renting it out on the amenity-sharing app Swimply and brought in $1,600 in the past year.
• Thompson learned to let guests use his bathroom but loves hearing the sound of people having fun in his backyard.

This as-told-to essay...