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.

This is a Canadian real estate investing network with training and workshops.

Also, I won't profit right now from rental income - only my IRA will profit (yes I know it's me later in life), but I want more capital now so I can pay down my private student loan faster and repeat the process with other properties.The place is 1 mile from the beach, 2 minutes to the bus stop, 1 mile to the train, and less than 1/2 mile to a new mixed use development that will open this spring (just the 1st phase) and it's a 20 - 30 yr mixed use project. 

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

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. 

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

If your PM doesn't already have a retirement plan, there are credits right now against the costs of setting one up and training.