Has anyone completed an off-market acquisition? Meaning, this was not a ‘public’ listing or found through a broker where the seller was ready/able to sell?

I am pursuing off-market opportunities via direct-mail campaign (I have closed real estate deals via direct mail in the past) but I am not certain of the ‘steps’ to complete if/when a seller turns into a lead.

Specifically, I am not sure what role my attorney should play in the process. For example:
– should I have an attorney lined up already? Assuming yes, how to vet the attorney is a good fit.
– Would an attorney work with me right now, even if there is no deal in place? How do you approach M/A attorneys to work with you if you don’t have any pending deal.
– What are the critical steps the attorney should perform throughout the off-market acquisition?
– How much should I expect to pay for my attorney’s involvement/partnership during the deal?

If anyone has recommendations for laundromat acquisition attorneys, I am hoping to set up intro conversations to start the relationship.

Bonus points if they are based near Atlanta, as this is my current market.