This is not uncommon. Incorporation alone will cost you around $1-2k, after all filing fees, services, etc. are included in the cost, and you need to do that before anything else.

I recommend using something like clerky.com for incorporation and post-incorporation setup. They might also be able to help you with the later parts of the process.

As far as the cost goes...you gotta spend money to make money. Don't do any of this until you're absolutely sure that you have committed investors, and you'll minimize your risk.

Yes, startups typically retain counsel to assist with incorporation and fundraising. Mistakes made early on can come back to haunt you.

Check with your school. Perhaps they have an entrepreneurship program that can help?