Warren Buffett has a great quote that I am going to butcher right now, but effectively he said something along the lines of: successful people make a list of the top 10 things they want to do/accomplish and rank them in order 1-10. 

Do we need to hire a lawyer to draft our agreement and form an entity.

It sucks, but it's way faster than going to court and cheaper.Even if you don't hire a lawyer you will be out months of rent and hundreds of dollars in court fees.

In Cleveland, we get 4 seasons but at weird times due to lake effect snow.

The sides and back are one-story, and I can easily clean those gutters myself during turnovers.I’m also considering that periodic gutter cleanings might be more cost-effective than following the tech's recommendation.Does this quote and the suggested work seem reasonable?

Even tenant lawyers are soliciting to bring litigation against landlords and property owners.

Hire a lawyer and consider a GOOD PM if you don't want to deal with tenants.

Do I have to call a lawyer and get forms to make it legal?

My best recommendation, though, is to have a lawyer structure the contract, and make sure you are put on title.

Old PM will not give back escrow deposits until I threaten them from my RE lawyer.  9.