Copy what that guy does and you have a good shot at making this work. 

You have copies of the forms, right?  

Do I need a lawyer for that or are there contract resources online from which I can get a copy of the contract from with a fill in the blank kind of format?

And by writing, I mean there's a form to fill out, in detail, signed by both, and copies made. 

You should always track lease transgressions, deliver notice and keep copies. 

I've been in touch with my lawyer and some property managers in my area and they are suggesting that I offer a repayment plan (formally, send in the mail and document/make copies) and then they will either accept and pay as needed or not.

I just copied this answer of mine from a similar question last week, I think spending hundreds of dollars a year on Quickbooks for a simple landlording business with no payroll is unjustified. 

Would you be able to share a copy of your spreadsheet for us so we can see your costs?

Just copy and paste the address in to google and it will tell you. 

If I buy you lunch, may I pick your brain, will you give me a copy of your contract offers, show me you best creative financing technique??