[arebop]

Try https://www.padmapper.com/

I don't know much about SJ but I can tell you about my experience in SF.

Tenants have the upper hand over landlords in SF, but landlords have the upper hand over /prospective tenants/; you won't have much ability to negotiate prices and you'll need to act fast to get a place once it's listed or especially after an open house.

I recommend you get a generic short-term rental from a big company and make that your base for a few months. Spend a lot of time hanging out in various neighborhoods and then move to your long(er) term favorite.