I lived in the same neighborhood as people who lived on the periphery of this lifestyle. One neighbor (nice guy actually) was Barbara Mandrell's valet. Others were these less than B grade type actors and actresses who only seemed to work a couple of days out of the week. I always wondered how they managed to make ends meet since eastern LA county was a pretty expensive place to live even back in the 1980's and I was working long hours and living fairly frugally just to pay for a so-so apartment and sock a little money away in savings.
There were at least six living in one house that was built in the backyard of another house. From the street, you only see half of the houses. Google shows all. If the main house is rented out to individuals, you are talking like 10+ living on many lots. Of course, waitressing, bartending, selling Red Bull and other misc activities support their lifestyle which is mainly sitting around BS'ing between tryouts.