Hassel free landlords/rentals around Eugene area? (Springfield: renters, mobile home)

[Silverskies]

My boyfriend and I are couple in our mid 30s. We are planning to move to Eugene area from Idaho sometime in August or September.

We have a small 7 pound dog and a cat, and are looking for at least a 1 bedroom rental. We are hoping to pay 700 or less monthly.

My boyfriend receives disability, and I am currently on unemployment and searching for a job. I have a few prospects, but nothing solid yet (its hard to secure a job when you do not have a local address. I know this doesn't sound good however, I can assure you I am not lazy in anyway. I have a very solid employment history, but unfortunately was laid of 2 months ago. We also have very solid rental references.)

I will be coming into town later this week to start looking for a rental. From what I have seen most property management companies seem to be really strict on requirements to be able to rent.

Unfortunately, trying to rent from out of state is a double edged sword. You need a residence to get a job, but you need a job to get a residence.

My question is are there some property managements that are more lenient, or will work more with renters. (By work with the renters I mean in regards to employment. Money really isn't the issue we have savings and can pay all move in costs upfront)

Are there areas where it is easier to secure a rental with less hassle? ( I am not just limiting my search to Eugene I am looking at pretty much all towns with in a 30 min commute, and I am not afraid of "bad" areas would even consider a mobile home )

Also any recommendations on places that accept pets?

The main goal at this point is to just get moved, and get established. We know if we don't like the area we are in or the rental we can always find something else at a later time.
We appreciate any and all leads, or information that can be provided.

Thanks - Silver Skies

[Steve Pickering]

Not in the Eugene area.

There are some nice private parties

Contact the chamber of commerce and ask.

But if you have the finances and can prove it Eugene rents to unemployed all the time.

[Metlakatla]

If you avoid the obvious scams, Craigslist is a great resource for rentals in Eugene, but don't discount the property management companies. I rented a place long distance several years ago through one with no hassle; they didn't even charge a pet deposit. Also, you might consider renting in Springfield -- rents are slightly less there.

Right now, there are lots of student rentals available; I'd suggest avoiding those.