In 2011, we hired someone on an H1B at the startup where I worked. It was a straightforward process. The paperwork added a couple weeks to the process, and IIRC

In 2011, we hired someone on an H1B at the startup where I worked. It was a straightforward process. The paperwork added a couple weeks to the process, and IIRC it cost $10k or so in legal fees, but for a great hire, it was definitely not a meaningful barrier. We were already incorporated as a C corp. I would imagine that some sort of incorporation will be pretty much a requirement. (IANAL)