I would start with Craigslist - -go to the section of "no fee" or "by owner" apartments first to try and see if you can avoid a broker fee. It's tough to do, but it can be done. When all else fails, you may be stuck with a broker whom will find you an apartment quickly but charge 10% of a year's rent. Sadly, most NY real estate is run by brokers so it's hard to avoid.
