Yes, it is very addictive. I really enjoy having the girls around. I keep a couple of hives in my backyard, just so I can sit with a cup of coffee and watch them work. I enjoy everything about them; the buzz, the way they look, the way they feel when they're walking on my arm, the smell of bee bread, even the stings. So, even if I can't make a go of the business side, I'll still have all those girls to enjoy. I think that's really important; to enjoy what you're doing whether you're making money or not.
Indeed, there is a lot of money in 50. I've been running the numbers. The only thing that I will buy is frames. Everthing else, I'll make. Because I don't want to go in debt to do this, I'm buying a little at a time, so that when the times comes, I'll have everthing ready.
As far as going where the cash is, I think it best to cover several bases. While I did sell all my honey and wax this year, I made more money by selling nucs. If I had just focused on honey and wax, I'd have lost out on nuc sales and vice-versa. BTW, I did have folks coming from out of state for nucs, so the opportunity is there. As long as exceptional customer service is provided, I don't see a problem with repeat customers. However, the rule of 10 still applies here.