I personally use prop stream for my business needs, allows me to see everything I need to see.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/114-S-Broadway-St-Toledo-... seller has 'described' it as follows:"The property features a new roof and updated electrical work completed two years ago at a cost of $120,000.

In addition, I live with my parents so even househacking will still cost me over $400 a month, which is what I pay to stay with my parents.

I seek out tenants who will stay a long time, reducing vacancy, and turnover costs. 

Under the IRS rules, a person  qualifies as a real estate professional if: (1) more than one-half of the personal services the taxpayer performs in trades or businesses during the tax year are in real property trades or businesses in which the taxpayer materially participates, AND.....(2) hours spent providing personal services in real property trades or businesses in which the taxpayer materially participates total more than 750 during the tax year.Like @Greg Scott and @Russell Brazil mentioned above, I don't believe that you would qualify as a REPS, but if you are going to try it, make sure you document it very well (i.e. with some kind of proof, like time cards, mileage forms, and/or receipts, etc.) so that just in case you do get audited, you at least have something to provide to the IRS agent. 

All this has been built into the loan along with operational cost to get the place running.

Keeping them separate is for better bookkeeping, managing the numbers, and when you sell or refinance.The disadvantage is that it will cost you more to have separate LLCs, and it may be more of your time to track.But if the goal is to buy more properties, build the foundation correctly.

In addition, I live with my parents so even househacking will still cost me over $400 a month, which is what I pay to stay with my parents.

Cost of securing the collateral is much more expensive here and foreclosures can be troublesome. 

And  if we did a 1031 exchange later, I think I'm correct that having this cost basis established at today's market value vs 2001's cost + improvements would serve me better in the 1031.- The depreciation amount for my rental house would be maximized bc would be set at the selling price / current market value vs 2001 cost basis + improvements.