Bootstrapping is awesome in the South. For example in Melbourne, Florida you can live at the beach for $500/mo. Internet is goodly fast, and the Orlando airport is an hour away. There's enough high-tech activity from KSC and the defense industry to provide services you might need (office space, tech-savvy lawyers).
But besides access to funding and influence, there's another overlooked drawback to living in certain small towns: You'd be advised to bring your own boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse.