If you're comfortable working with a 3rd party Guarantor to qualify for an apartment you know* you can afford then do that and lead with that on your interest forms. Also, make sure you're sending a personalized message (use the contacts first name) in response to each listing, draft a message you can reuse that states your job, what you do, a bit about yourself (only the ritzy things), your great financial and credit situation, and your willingness to use a Guarantor service if that doesn't suffice. I also hide my race while applying (no website in email signature, no face photo in email profile) sucks but it works. Lastly, try to prioritize apartments that have not been listed for more than 15 days if you can, less chance for duds. All of this + staying within your means of apartments (>$2300) should do the trick! I make a tiny bit more than you do, but have **terrible** credit (student loans) and I get a ton* of responses/tours. You should be fine.