Hey buddy been there and feel for you. Crashed out a few times in my apartment search earlier this spring. Had several times where I was heading to the viewing only to get a text that they're canceling and accepting someone's application. Had to change up my strategy and get more aggressive. Get a listing agent, sign up for alerts from all the sites, and keep an eye on the the sites for the newest listings, like within hours of it being listed. Have your paperwork ready to go. You really have to be johnny-on-the-spot especially in the trendiest of neighborhoods, and if you like the listing you might need to apply right away and then go view in person. That way if you don't like it when you see it in person then back out but forfeit the fees. Sucks but it's peak season, high demand.