How to actually close with an Absentee

[Matt Liu]

I have at long last found a good deal through my marketing to absentee owners. We agreed on a price, however his communication over the phone is not the best and he lives a thousand miles away.
I'm wondering should I tell him I'll have my lawyer take it from here? I'm worried if I send him a contract I print or email things will get fussy.

Even if I do use a standard contract and do it myself, won't I want to have the earnest money AND soon coming deposit to go in my attorney deposit account? In other words I'm going to use an attorney anyway, might as well have him communicate the contract?

Thanks!!