I found my apt 5 years ago by simply walking into the (on-site) leasing offices of a few high rises downtown. After seeing 4 apts I had found my home, and have been in it since. No broker fees.
Apartment finding, moving, etc (practically anything) in NYC can be easy provided you've got the money to make it happen. It can be the hardest, or easiest city in the world to live in.
Yet if you've got no more than $1200/month to spend on rent- good luck with that.
Yet if you've got no more than $1200/month to spend on rent- good luck with that.