Using Craigslist, the UT (signonsandiego.com), Rentslicer.com, and others it not lazy, it’s smart. Judging by your post, I would estimate that you are already somewhat familiar with the area that you want to rent in and have a feel for its various idiosyncrasies. The time frame you are looking to rent will have an effect on how the intangibles (traffic, noise, good school proximity) play a role in your decision-making process. Buying the property would be a different story altogether, assuming you were going to stay put long-term.
As a renter of a home myself, I would recommend that you scan the readily-available sources out there, such as Craiglist, Rentslicer, etc. And that you cross-reference them with other sites like Zillow. You are basically going to look for those owners that have purchased before the most recent housing bubble…the owners that don’t have to charge a higher rent in order to achieve profitability.
