You've been friends for years and there is no reason why you couldn't continue to just be friends. I would suggest that you ask him to stay in a hotel when he comes to visit, so that you can be safe and date. I wouldn't do your idea of having an apartment together just yet. Keep it safe. If he's a true friend, he will understand why this safety feature is in place. Just explain that you need to slow it down a bit and actual face to face dating would really be a good idea.