Another LLC question, regarding equipment/material purchases

[Eric Grant]

I see a lot of posts with questions about whether or not to obtain an LLC or S-corp before purchasing a first rental but I've not found the answer that I'm specifically looking for.

I'm looking to purchase our first multi-unit and I'm going to need some things to make life easier as a landlord, such as a pick up and some tools and materials. Does a person typically need an LLC/S-corp or something to that affect to be able to claim items such as these as business expenses? I'm trying to determine in which order I should go about our first purchase and acquiring necessary supplies. Thanks in advance!