To generate a $1,000 a month dividend payoff, you need to invest at least $300,000. But if you decide to go with a dividend snowball", you can start with as much as $10,000. Within three years, with consistent investment and dividend reinvestment, you can build a good portfolio that yields $1,000 a month in dividends. You need to diversify it in different sectors, look for around 4%-7% dividend yield and have patience.