I would certainly not build outside the US until you're ready for real volume production. You don't want to give your competition too much time to get ahead of you.
IANAL but probably the same way you sign any other contract online. I've signed contracts for homes online, so it's not a bid deal anymore. If you don't like online, use fax and follow up with FedEx but this is one area a lawyer is probably a good idea. If it all explodes, you can at least sue him. ;-)