Hey,

first, you don't really need a nintendo 64 controller, (i'm doing runs with my keyboard, because i never really got used to use a controller, and also if you are used to your controller it'll do fine.), you should use pj64 for runs, other emus are banned if i got it right, my livesplit is just a timer literally, i start it and end it, for glitches you have to watch yourself videos, or watch tournaments, i really can recommend you freshman 16 runs, you can see some nice shortcuts there, i would recommend you 16 star first, it's fun, and yeah it's hard to climb the leaderboard, and start with beginner glitches, like cannonless is a really easy one (also you have to grind these glitches if you got it wrong because, sometimes you will fail don't quit, remember to grind it till you can master it.) just watch videos to learn glitches, for 16 stars route i would recommend the guides tab.