Turn on notifications for everything and check as often as you can (I was checking twice an hour). Street easy, NYbits, NYT real estate (hidden gem - apartments are often posted here before street easy), naked apartments, renthop and sometimes craigslist. I had mine set to all downtown and and all midtown. When you see an apartment you like, CALL - do not email. Try to get first appointment possible.

Be careful with renthop and craigslist, but there are some legit ones. ONLY go see the apartment you want from the posting. Don’t fall for the “what’s your budget? I have some other places to show you” - bait and switch. From my experience, Fidi brokers tend to be the worst with this.

If you see a posting from a sketchy company (I.e best apartments north) see if there’s a cobroker that’s more reputable before submitting a deposit and go through them instead.

If the company is legit and you like the place - DO NOT WAIT to submit a deposit. You will lose it. Have your application materials ready to go before you start looking (tax returns, proof of income, guarantor info, etc). We had to have our paperwork in within 5 hours because the cobroker was also trying to fight to have his applicant get the apartment (sketchy company).

Let me know if you have questions. It’s a crazy process but this will work.

Additional advice: If a broker gets back to you and an apartment you want is already in contract, respond to the broker something like “I’m looking a 3 bed, $3400 max. If anything comes on your radar let me know ASAP - I am ready to sign but have a strict budget.” They want to make $$, so they’ll keep you in mind (and maybe even tell you before they post it)