If the cash was earned legally and you are paying taxes, then just go deposit the money.

Easy thing you can do is if there are any apartment buildings designed for student housing in your area go and ask them for an application and what their process is.

I'd spend more of my time understanding the sub-markets of where you plan to move/invest in and track what's going on locally there, then familiarizing yourself with legal processes; maybe even start to make local contacts there prior to your relocation.

Also wondering if I'm taking on any legal risk by participating or not participating? 

or contracts from places like legal zoom good enough?

Do not rely on it as legal advice.

He knows how it works, and he's creative enough to find ways to legally do things.

I assume a simple short message on legal pad yellow paper in an envelope would do it, but what about postage?

I certainly see why you would be upset but I don't envision there being a legal avenue for changing the outcome.

Hope that is still legal.