LLC or rental first

[Kristen Marra]

Hi, I am new to the BP forum and in the process of researching my first rental. I plan to open an LLC to protect my assets. My question is -should I get the rental property first or establish the LLC first? Further, I have had some conflicting information about where to establish the LLC. Does it matter if I purchase property in a different state than my LLC is created? Thanks for the help!