I wonder how he gets his electricity and gas. Boiling stuff several times looks expensive gas-wise and frying everything is also expensive, oil ain't free... unless he makes his own oil and has a gas well nearby where he gets his gas... but if he had one, he wouldn't be poor. Maybe they just give him gas and electricity for free?
And actually, if the guy didn't have much integrity, he could have hooked up with a rich girl and leech off her. He looks handsome, so he would only need to hone his womanizing skills lol.