You may need to go through a lawyer but if you find and seasoned RE attorney, they should be able to do it for less than $300.

Probably best to speak with an attorney about your specific situation.  

Is there an investor friendly real estate attorney you'd recommend in the Atlanta area?

For Florida there is a excellent book with all the forms by Warda called Land Trusts in Florida.You can also look at Mr Land Trust aka Randy Hughes https://www.landtrustsmadesimple.com/I would highly suggest that for your first land trust in that state you either spend the money with a comprehensive course specific to that state or hire an attorney knowledgeable for that state.

Some of the issues presented in biggerpocet regarding contractor's (delay work, incomplete task, not been way off schedule, etc.) are some of my concerns. first, I was going to do is get a real estate attorney however, with a detail contract I am sure some GC (general contractors) will not want to get involve.

Your local apartment association or a really good tip is  call the courthouse in your town ask them what main attorney is on the paperwork of most of the counties evictions .

While I know I need to talk with a real estate attorney & CPA, does it make sense to set up an entity before I purchase a property?

I have a template i pulled off the internet. i suppose i should have it looked at by an attorney to ensure it affords me all the legal protection i need.

I finally just said you gotta get yourself a real estate attorney, this is out of the scope of what I can do. 

Real estate attorney?