You can buy a plot in another town so your things are safe. You cannot add people without being the owner of the town. I suggest reading the wiki.
Clearly, you did not read @alpert3925 's response which clearly stated the answer. Also, clearly you did not read the Wiki as suggested since it clearly states the rules on town (or no town) ownership and what can and can't be done on ECC. I hope this clears things up for you. Wishing you success!
If you really wanted a house that was safe, you have 100 LWC's. Get some obby and lock some. (Not recommended. Any new Mayors could easily claim over it and file a LWC Removal.) In all reality, it's best to just get a town. I'm curious, how close are you to Mayor?
Go into the middle of the ocean. Swim/dig down and build yourself a cave home. No one will find you for a long time. Had an unprotected house in the ocean that went untouched by other players for about 4 months. That wasn't even underground either. Essentially. If you hide well. No ones going to bug you.
This is a great suggestion but still does not answer the question op was asking: "How do I protect land so that I can have my buildings safe and add members without in a town?" This is simply not possible on ECC as those buildings are still not safe and members are not able to be added without a town.
It answers the first part just fine. Which was my intent. Op and other resident/builders can protect a starting home for themselves by hiding it. If no one can find it. No one can destroy it. Of course though you would want to upgrade to town ownership eventually.
