I personally don’t like installment sale contracts or contracts for deeds, especially over long periods of time.

It’s frustrating to them and agents because they waited to ask in person questions to an agent who cannot answer them. 

Personally, I just post on line the rental thats available and see who replies just to see if its needed in that area before I purchase 

Figure out the best medium in which you meet these folks (in person, LinkedIn, networking groups etc)4.

Because with detailed plans, examination of alternative causes and getting involved even when the trend is not favorable can make a person start making profits from real estate when he is old as well as when he is young.Good luck!

We have monthly in-person meetups in New Jersey for when you are in town.

Should I create an LLC at this point to protect my personal assets and tax planning?

If you do rent by the room watch out for local unrelated person ordinances.

However, when you rent out a portion of your home, you need to make sure you're properly dividing any expenses you pay to maintain the home between personal and rental uses.

I do believe for what you clarified from your original post that breaking even is okay and you'll be using it for personal use that you can do this.