I do mining in the early days when the difficulty is low that anyone setting up a mining rig could be profitable in just a year.
However, due the continuous difficulty, cost of electricity pump up, and taking consideration the maintenance cost if comes.
i came to the point that i need to sell off my existing rig and pause for a while. I even regret that decision when the price pump up.
But as an advice from an amateur miner, dont buy those used rig. settle for a new and latest rig that will surely make some profit.
It is the huge expenses that make some miners have trouble making a profit. In some countries like ours, where electricity is too expensive, it is truly a burden. In fact, many are at a loss at this time, but they tried to work it out and stay because they believe in market recovery, but I doubt if small miners are still operating or have stopped already.
With the unpredictable situation of the market, those who dare to start a business like this may have some reserved funds because not always the market is profitable. Mining was profitable in the past, but it is a different situation now as the market has become tougher and more challenging.