My final thought was lending my funds to an existing loan service for a small return, which sounded good idea first... but I couldn't find a loan service that seems to be short on funds
You can create your own loan service thread but you have to work for it and choose those borrowers that are really paying. There's no easy money in this world and even in cryptocurrencies.
Anyone got other ideas that will get me some revenue without having to spend much time following up with it? something set & forget for couple months (maybe check once every month or two)?
HODLING will be your last choice if you don't want to spend too much time.
My problem (far as I thought) with making my own lending service (other than time), is my current reputation in the forum, what would make someone trusted take a loan from me instead of taking it from a more trusted existing loaning service?? the start will be pretty hard to get reputable members, and my service thread (just as with other threads) will probably be filled with users trying to scam.
If you don't have any reputation as of now and you are trying to start your own lending service, try to look for people who are trusted and wants to take loan from you. And of course you need to ask a valid collateral so that you will be secured too depending on the amount you'll lend so that scammers can't take your money and just go away. But if you are too worried of lending then just hold your bitcoins so that you will be safe.