WHAT ABOUT POISONOUS SNAKES AND SPIDERS?
The modern cure for a poisonous bite is a trip to the hospital and probably the use of a $10,000 antivenom. However, believe it or not, there is a miraculously cheap and effective alternative: echinacea extract. It cures every poisonous snake and spider bite in the U.S., and also most worldwide. For scorpion stings you want frankincense extract. Study & teach how to make these.
WHAT ABOUT BEARS AND BOBCATS?
Bears don't want you; they want your food. Keep your food out of reach and you're fine. If you encounter one behave like a peer not prey (make eye contact and back away slowly, do not turn and run). Mountain lion attacks in the U.S. are so rare that every single one is documented on wikipedia.
WHAT ABOUT HUMAN CRIME?
Now you have found the real danger! Other humans are the biggest danger in the wilderness. Unfortunately that is something you have to deal with everywhere whether you are in the wilderness or not. Also note that the Appalachian Trail is traveled by many people, has no facilities and no security, and has an incredibly low crime rate.
WHAT DO I DO FOR WATER AND SHOWERS ETC?
You need to have a drinkable water source by law. The three modern accepted options are public water connection, a well, and rain catchment. For cheap rural land the public water connection is unlikely available. Digging a private well is definitely an expense to be factored into the equation. Catching rain water is cheaper and cleaner. Either way you can shower using gravity. Whether you have the budget to go all-out with plumbing beyond that is up to you. If you have a stream you can take water from that through a filtration system, but it is probably less affordable.
ISN'T A HOUSE EXPENSIVE?
Tiny houses are a thing now. Go outside. Save money. That's the whole point. Study & teach how to build them.
WHAT ABOUT BUGS?
You could make your land attractive for bats, get bug zappers, or use skin or air repellents (study & teach what plants are good for this). Also do not purchase swampy land.
WHAT ABOUT ELECTRICITY?
You legally and physically do not "need" it. For a unique artistic or adventure experience you might not even want it. For cheap rural land you may not have access to public electric. Solar panels are an option and expense to consider. If you have an electric well pump then you do need electricity for your water, but you can have your well come with a hand-pump option so you actually don't need electricity.
THERE YOU HAVE IT
Everybody knows that these issues are nothing compared to playing your boss's clarinet every day. If you are ready to experience freedom then congratulations and welcome to the club. The next step is to buy your own land or find people to pool with. Call today at 267-639-8081, or e-mail at chillinthewoods@gmail.com, or join the forum to see what groups have formed and see what each one is up to.