First, our DBA name is Select Property Management.  

What questions should I ask the local housing authority in charge of the Section 8 program?

I have a secured line of credit at my local bank, and for my first deal, I think that is a good way to start - with someone you know and is local.  

My name is Gavin White.

In addition to checking out local crime statistics via county and city websites, you may want to check out this website: https://crimegrade.org/. 

We are West of Atlanta, and would love some local advice.

Local police don't have resources.

Look for local groups or online spots like BiggerPockets, and use social sites like Facebook and LinkedIn.

If it is seller financed, you have no real estate agent fiduciary protection, so it is up to you to protect yourself.After all that, then, yes, work with an attorney on how you hope to close, LLC, trust, or in your name. 

Not sure how having a family member as a veteran may effect this, but my suspicion is that the person in whose name the mortgage loan will be made would need to be a veteran?