First let me start off by saying congratulations! I cannot even begin to imagine the amount of work that was invested to get your school up and running.
Now to help out with some of your questions. You happen to operate in one of the most highly regulated states (outside of California) which is where I operate. You must adhere to all regulatory requirements for the state of Texas. I have not dealt much with the TDLR but it is typical for a state to have a licensing agency for vocational/trade schools that deliver short programs with specific program outcomes. If you want to provide diplomas with the licensing for your graduates to work in the state of TX then you will have to apply and adhear to there rules and regulations. The TWC has very specific requirements, most of them surrounding admissions and refunds.
Do you need a lawyer? No, is the simple answer. A well seasoned regulatory/accreditation/P&P writer would benefit you much more in the long run and be more affordable. If you are determined enough to start your own school, you will be able to grasp the major concepts, rules, and regulations surrounding your state licensing agency and the TWC. I write policies and procedures for a non-profit trade school in California and we operate our Distance Education program (with Texas being one of our "authorized" states). I deal with ACCSC, NY State, TWC, DEAC, and the federal governement (Title IV school). The TWC can be daunting at first but once you start getting more involved you will realize all of this was created to protect the student....and for very good reasons.
Here is a pretty good place to start http://www.twc.state.tx.us/files/twc/rules-chapter-807-career-schools-colleges-twc.pdf
It always is hard when someone hands you an entire .pdf with 99 pages of information...but this is the best place to start. The next step would be to contact your local representative from TWC and start building a relationship. The relationship is key because when you do not know the answer they will be there to provide clarification. I am assuming you are not attempting become Title IV eligible? If you are I would put that on hold...you will have your hands already tied with the TWC and TDLR....you can always apply for Title IV funds down the road.
Good luck!
