I understand what you're going through...I spent the first part of this year apartment hunting. It's a pain in the butt, especially since most are going condo. . . .
The condo thing is such a pain, but from what I've heard, the apartments that are converting to condos aren't doing too well (since, like someone mentioned before, most people living around here in apartments cannot afford the 300,000+ tab to own). I know someone who lives in the apatments-turned-condos by Chatham (I forget the name) and he said he is still renting because no one will buy the condos. So, who knows what will happen, but I hope my new place won't go condo any time soon! :lookaroun
Good luck with the search. I would go to apartments.com or forrent.com to look around, and go down around 60 days before you want to move in (they usually require a 60 day notice to leave, so that'll be your best bet to snag a lease). Happy hunting!