[christophilus]

I agree with everything you say, but technically it's about as easy for me to build a house today as it was for my grandpa (who built his own house in the 40s). At least, it is if I get to ignore regulations.

It requires being very frugal, moving to a low cost of living area, taking a lot of time, manual labor, and getting help from friends. Also, you have to live in 3rd world conditions for quite a while.

At least, that's what my grandpa did. I know a few folks-- who are quite poor-- who have done it in the past 10 years. But maybe 0.01% of the population is willing to do anything like it. I know I'm not.