My aspirations in political science and international relations led me to a summer internship in Washington D.C. Anyone who has walked this path knows rents within easy commuting distance of the Capitol are not cheap, and D.C. in general is expensive — never mind the cost of investing in appropriate business attire, too. Before moving from my college campus, I pored over countless classified ads, seeking a reasonable roommate or sublet situation, and finally I struck gold with Lisa.

Lisa was a 30-something lawyer, who owned a beautiful suburban townhome that faced a central courtyard garden.

“I started renting out one of my spare rooms last summer,” she explained to me over a video call. “It’s helping me get ahead on my mortgage, so I can hopefully focus on some other investments.... Read More