Here’s a classic example: my brother splits an apartment with a roommate and pays 350 for his portion.

I realize I would have to manage more tenants/ roommates but other than that, economies of scale tells me I could get a better return from a house with more bedrooms. 

If you are open to roommates you could each put your extra bedrooms on Airbnb for even more excess cash.

Since I have always rented a 2-bedroom apartment for myself and rented out one room to a roommate, that was my default choice.

This is where you buy a home and rent out bedrooms to roommates or a 2-4 unit and rent one unit.

(The owners aren't really affected though as long as they pay their rent.)One has roommates who are not allowed and aren't on the lease and he admitted that he has no income while I was explaining that he has to get them to move out.

I have been burnt twice, once I got majorly robbed with all my jewelry in a safe - $20,000. from ex roommate, the other left without paying rent and left me with no roommate for 3 months.Now the potential tenant wants his $100 back.

I bought my first house last year of college in 2010 and rented to roommates to cover my expenses.

What if one of the "roommates" is there and steals from the other?

You many not be vacant all that long as it only takes so long for roommates to get tired of themselves.