How long should I wait to text him?

Me and my boyfriend broke up yesterday. Neither of us wanted it, but he figured he'd save me some heartache and is trying to figure things out right now and see what happens after everything is settled, if he doesn't get shipped away. He told me that he cares about me more than I know and I feel the same way. I actually think I love him, but I never told him. He wants to stay friends. He didn't just say it like "Maybe we should just be friends." It was more along the lines of not wanting to lose me and wanting to hang out, so he really means that he wants to be friends. How soon should I text him, just like "hi" etc.? Also, should I tel him that I'm in love with him?