@Patrick1231 The price may be quite low because they are trying to attract their first clients, also many new hosts are unaware that Airbnb posts a 20% discount on new listings (which a host can turn off if they know to do it), they may have smart pricing turned on, whcih could result in a low price, or they may naively be following Airbnb's "price tips" which are absurdly low and only have to do with Airbnb generating bookings as fast and furiously as possible, not actually reflecting a reasonable price for what the host is offering.
Asking to preview the place is actually out-of-line. Hosts are cautioned not to allow this. As someone in law enforcement, I'm sure you'll understand- it's a security issue for hosts. Someone who actually hasn't booked could be scouting the place out for a burglery, or are often just trying to make some under-the-table side deal with the host to circumvent Airbnb booking fees. Hosts spend time on their listing descriptions trying to make everything they offer clear, and they post photos so you can see what you're getting. That, in addition to messaging with the host, should be adequate for a guest to make a decision.
Just communicate with the host via Inquiry messages, rather than Booking Requests, which doesn't obligate you in any way, nor does it force the host to either Accept your Request (in which case you'll be immediately charged and have to cancel if you change your mind) or Decline it, which hosts have only 24 hours to do without being penalized. Ask as many questions as you need to to feel comfortable, and if the host responds in a timely and friendly manner and adequately answers your questions, you can go ahead and book. If you get a red flag feeling, listen to your gut. And hosts also appreciate it when a guest shares a bit about themselves and the purpose of their trip- remember that we're all strangers to each other and the host can feel as reticent about accepting a new guest with no reviews as the guest is wary about the listing.
