I have been looking in the very areas you mention. If you have excellent credit, then rent is very negotiable (also helps if you don’t have pets or very small ones anyway). You will be competing with people with atrocious credit but are willing to pay more. Any landlord with any sense will take lower rent for a better renter. Bring a copy of your credit report with you, and maybe a copy of your offer letter if you have a good salary. About half the people on craigslist are complete dreamers as far as rent they are asking. Even in CV I saw similar 2500 sft houses ask anywhere from 3000 to 6000! Look at the lowest priced ones and knock off 10% from there after you go look. When you go look, act very friendly, responsible, and dress well. If you don’t think you present yourself well, hire a body double. Good luck
