The problem with trying to become self efficient is the government doesn't want anyone to do it. They don't want you building a house in the wilderness, fishing, hunting, farming, taking only what you need, digging wells, being totally dependent on self, God and nature.
Big business and the government won't stand for it. They have set up a system where you are dependent on them. Too them you are useless if you can't give them tax money or if you aren't buying from them. The environmental agencies were set up to prevent people from returning to the land.