I saw a BP post which recommended a simplistic approach of  one LLC for operations and one Series LLC for asset holding, however it seems NC doesnt allow Series LLCWhat are my options and what are pros/cons?

Bigger Pockets is a great place for education and networking.I recommend that you check out the following resources:1.

I always recommend picking up a house hack as your first investment. 

In the grand scheme of things it would be a small cost to fix their mistake, and instead they have turned off a loyal customer from ever using or recommending their services again.

I recommend listening to it. 

Look at lower ARV properties 200k and below and you'll probably find some that can work as a flip or a BRRRR even with current interest rates.I also would recommend meeting with a lender and describing your goals. 

Does anyone have recommendations for a real estate attorney that could help write up a lease agreement/contract? 

I know Brandon Turner has recommended, from his book, to either ask them to leave, pay them to leave, or evict them.

I don't recommend PC's ever for probates.Sharon

That is why I consistently point it out.If everyone keeps calling it a loophole over and over, some eager beaver down at the IRS might decide to take a look at the law and recommend changes and do away with this.