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!

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Personally, I'd recommend multiple properties, but that all depends on your long term goals.

I personally have success in doing flips with my partner here in Ohio.