This is my 1st post and I am so incredibly thankful that a forum like this exists and for any information to help guide me through this tough decision is so immensely appreciated! 

You want to know the total demand and the existing competition.  

I always hear that due to liability and taxes etc, investment properties should go into an LLC.What is the best way to turn my existing home into a rental?

Demand for rentals is near non-existent in this specific town during the winter, and demand is extremely hot in the summer months.

I'll add this, I think if you are good at it, there exist modes and methods which can give you much better returns. 

Perhaps they would make more money if STR was an option, however if that's not permitted in their location, no STR demand exists, or no STR PM is willing to take on their property, they may not have that option.

They understand that there's value in what they provide, which is steady, documented income, minimal turnover, steady payment, quality references, no drama, and peace of mind.

near 0% and 0% options with DPA's exist (down payment assistance) programs.

They exist for a reason.

I know very little about legal precedent but I'd expect the major meter manufactures (selling into the utility space) to be well incentived to challenge these items best they can, and they have money.Here are the issues, and the reasons that the difference between an air forced system and a boiler/hydronic system are not meaningful for this discussion (ie efficacy issues of sub metering exist for either when method of measurement is measuring heat at point of delivery):In either case, the blower (or pump for a boiler) is the method of 'moving' either air (central air) or water/glycol or equivalent (boiler etc).