This may be an unpopular opinion but...

I'd suggest meeting in person before anything else. I had a long distance SO whom I thought was my soulmate for years. The only think I'll say about it is that it is pretty important to meet in person before making plans such as moving to other states, marriage, etc. I promise you that no amount of talking online, for however many years, can tell you enough about a person to give you the necessary foundation to make these decisions.