Use chain hoist chain fall with 3 8 auto grade bolts thru top third of rafter above attic access.
How to remove water heater from attic.
Charlotte water heater advice.
Install 3 4 in black pipe 90 fittings on hot cold.
Why you need to get your water heater out of your attic.
Also works better than the cheap water heater socket kits sold at the store.
You can use that to put the new one in.
If you do not have the correct size socket you can remove the element by putting a cold chisel on one of the edges and striking with a hammer to spin out the element.
Add lumbar for structural integrity if needed.
Removing a water heating element.