Tools for first time group investors

[Tommy Shelby]

A couple of my friends and I are looking to make a real estate investment together with some of our savings. One of us has bought a couple of SFHs before. We live in NY/SF, so will likely be investing in a rental property not in our home markets.

What tools and investment structure would you recommend for us to get started on this group investment? Do I need a lawyer for this? If so, how much would one normally charge to structure this? 

Thanks in advance and to BP!