I would forget about a LTC and remember "violent felony" is defined as "any crime (felony or misdomeanor) punishable by up to a year in state prison (not county jail)" even if one received probation.

A lot depends on the maximum penalty you faced upon your conviction and you'd know that better than me.Violent felony depend not on violence but possible penalty upon conviction even if your sentence was below maximum.

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With the MA FID system does more background than the standard background checks in other states at gun stores.You talked about lawyers wanting money but getting gun rights restored in Massachusetts if you are a felon without a lawyer is almost impossible.And getting a record expunged in any state requires a lawyer in any case.

1. I would pay for a good lawyer and go for a record expungement.
2. Forget about handgun ownership.
3. You will need to disclose the expungement on the FID application but if it's expunged excluding LTC they should respect the expungement for basic FID.
4. .If they still deny your FID you can fight it and appeal the denial.
5. If you still loose the appeal on the FID and guns matter that much move to RI,NH,ME where you can buy a rifle/shotgun with just a quick background check and if you're expunged the felony will never show.If your record is expunged buying a gun in New Hampshire or Maine or even RI should be no issue.
6. Get a lawyer,no way around that!There are lawyers in MA that specialize in gun laws.