My thought is for you to be 100% certain that this is something you really want to do. Hikers are VERY demanding. I always suggest to someone with this notion to be a caretaker at an already open hostel for several seasons and gain valuable experience. You'll find out beforehand if you really want to invest money into this endeavor.
You mention opening up your home to "a bunch of stinky, undernourished, dirty unknown people" and that you "love the hiking community and all it's stories, quirks, and personalities", which is all good and fine. But it is so much more than that. Just imagine spending all day catering to the needs of a bunch of hikers and just when you think you'll get a moment to yourself, another hiker arrives . . . 'Where's my maildrop?' 'When's the next town run?' 'Can I pitch my tent in the back yard?' 'Do you allow work-for-stays?' 'Do you slack pack?' etc, etc . . . . and, of course, there is some other 'emergency' with the original group of hikers which doesn't give you time to answer any of the new hikers questions . . . .
Anyway, just some thoughts. Good Luck and again I highly suggest being a caretaker prior to spending alot of money . . . you might find out it is not as 'glamorous' as it seems.
See you on the trail,
mt squid