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lutspon How do I become a self-sufficient old man in a shack?

I owned the land outright. During my previous time with a NASA subcontractor in Silicon Valley, I realized that rent was a key problem and if I didn't own the land, the entire idea would collapse.

Then I bought materials in cash and built a little cabin, which meant it was also paid for. I was entirely debt-free, which I regarded as essential (and still do).

I started a little garden and had lots of free time to think. The rest, as they say, is history. :)

lutspon How do I become a self-sufficient old man in a shack?

I did this, years ago:

http://www.atariarchives.org/deli/cottage_computer_programmi...

I started this phase out wanting to be left alone and live on $40/month, but reality interfered and it turned out to be a way to completely change my life.

I think it can still be done. There is a steep learning curve.