If you haven't checked out the podcasts yet, episodes 79 and 83 are interviews with folks practically in your back yard.  

Do not get a general practice attorney that dabbles in eviction but a full time specialist.

I could handle most of it myself, but I am not a tax expert (a very specialized area of practice) and understand my limitations.A long about way to answer your question, but as I said in 2. above: "no", you don't need an attorney if all you want is to create an LLC.  

It's a good business practice.

That's what I really need to practice on.

Written by attorney investors, it's full of practical advice pertaining to management of investment property, has sample forms that can be edited, and - most importantly - they tell you what your primary state laws are and where you can read them.

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.

there're just too many complicated, the city asked what's the entity name, insurance is different between LLC and personal , the tax system requires the LLC name, all to be established prior to closing.So practical answer to your question, create one now before even placing a bid.

You need to create a website, focus on credibility and value, then work on SEO, Youtube marketing, and facebook marketing.

Requirement or not, practically speaking, I am not sure a sponsor can market an offering without committing any capital.