what is the minimum in small claims court in rhode island ?

While I don't practice in Rhode Island, I'm aware of no small claims court which has a minimum.  If there was, some people would be left with no way to seek redress for their claims. Most oral contracts are enforceable without need of a writing.  If you can demonstrate the authenticity of a text (i.e. that it was a text sent to you by the person you're suing) and it is relevant to your claim, the text will likely be admitted into evidence in support of your claim. If the parties have agreed on a time period for repayment, the borrower breaches the contract the moment that period passes without repayment, whether that period is an hour, a month, or five years.  If there is no specific agreement as to when a loan is to be repaid, the law will imply a reasonable time, but what a reasonable time is can depend on the circumstances.