Some tips from Ryan Mitchell's book, Living Off Grid

Over at The Tiny Life website, Ryan Mitchell, author of Living Off Grid: 50 Steps to Unplug, Become Self-Sufficient, and Build the Homestead of Your Dreams, put together  "20 Tips And Tricks For Successful Off-Grid Living." A sample of the tips are below:

1. Understand Off-Grid Laws And Regulations

Knowing how to go off grid legally starts with learning how to navigate local laws and regulations. Zoning laws, waste disposal requirements, and building codes vary depending on your state and county.

They’ll also impact everything from your right to build a home, to the ability to drill a well or clear land. The sheer number of things local laws and regulations will affect makes understanding them one of the most crucial off-grid homestead tips I have to offer.

2. Pick The Right Location

The next off grid tip I want to share is to take your time in picking the right location. Sure, it sounds simple. However, choosing the wrong location can leave you drowning in red tape. And in addition to understanding the local laws and regulations, you’ll need to consider the more practical aspects of living in a given area.

Factors like the climate, growing zones, and local culture will directly affect your experiences. Choosing the right location is one of my off-grid home tips that will either make or break your homestead before you even get started.

3. Secure An Off-Grid Water Source

It’s impossible to make a list of off-grid survival tips without addressing water. Water is a necessity, so you’ll need a consistent, year-round supply for drinking, bathing, cleaning, and irrigation. There are a few different water sources you can use, including rain, well, and surface water.

Just remember: the work doesn’t end with acquisition. You’ll also need to work on your filtration and storage systems, making sure everything has a backup in case of emergencies. Trust me, you don’t want a drought bringing your setup to a screeching halt.

4. Choose The Right Power Setup

When first learning how to live off the grid, the idea of being on the hook for all of your power needs can feel daunting. However, your power system has a direct impact on how comfortable and functional your off-grid setup is, and ensuring it holds up to your daily needs is a must.

Solar energy is by far the most popular and one of the most dependable, but it has its limitations. Storms can come in at any time, leaving you without sunlight — and power — for days. That’s why I recommend a combination of solar panels, wind turbines, and biodiesel or gas generators.

Check out the rest of his advice here.

I would concur with the first three items listed.
The fourth item concerning a reliable power source is the fly in the self-reliant ointment.
It's true that with an electrical power source you can bring everything with you including the kitchen sink with running water, however any power source needs maintenance, usually high tech replacement parts, and has a limited lifespan and the potential for failure.
To live securely off-grid would really mean to literally unplug, not just from the cultural infrastructure but from all plugs.
There are thousands probably tens of thousands or more people in the United States right now living without electrical power for their daily routines, and I'm thinking that the Amish the Mennonite and other such groups are happy and healthy.
To truly live off grid, takes a lot of planning, commitment and hard work, however though as the above mentioned groups prove every day it can be done quite satisfactorily.
Merely an observation from someone who has had first-hand experience in this area.

#2 implies #1.  #3 yes, but #4 isn't important.  it's basically enough land to make food/water/shelter to keep you alive and well enough.  Beyond that is mere luxury.

All those steps are important though I don't think a newbie would know to do those without reading that book or some other book and most folks going off grid have not read any books.

I dont agree with you Rich.
Rainfall collection
If done with a big tank, say 3 months usage and first flush filters most rainfall will not need treatment or additional filtering.
Exceptions will occur, I know of none in Australia
Electricity supply
I dont want to live like the Amish, I have a small solar collection system, with fuel back up.
I dont have all electrical devices known but I think an efficient fridge, a land telephone line, internet connection and Tv
including an electric water pump to save tramping around with buckets or a hand pump is a pretty good life alternative.