Quote from @Scott E.: Yes, very common from a broker to ask for an LOI before sending financials.

.- Eyeing areas like Worcester, Shrewsbury, Grafton, and Millbury for a single-family house, priced around $500K, with a planned $100K down payment.

We're planning the move for late '25 so definitely will be keeping an eye on this area.

I’ll be working out of state with these folks so it’s important to me that they are good, dependable people with connections to be my hands, feet, eyes on the ground.

A quick eye ball measurement tells me the total counter SF including the backsplash is no more than 24 ft of material.

Have a focal point in every room, art, a rug, something eye-catching for a subject that ties the room together and make sure at least a few shots have low depth of field and focus on that feature (blurry background...hence focal point).8.

Even if the designs are truly eye catching and unique, I suspect a business based on tiny homes will be unprofitable unless conceived in a booming city that has a surplus of small lots and people ready to change their lives for a real reason like surviving property costs.

Its also great to keep an eye on the market as you approach 2 years away from the property. 

Besides trying the above (i.e. phone calls, facetime, text, whatsapp, pictures, etc) I would suggest you hire someone to be your eyes and ears down in LA. 

I let him know that I would leave him "before pictures" on the kitchen counter (the "after" is right in front of his eyes).