Help! General advice on Relocating for 1st career, specifically to Nashville (rent, hotel)

[xxsurfzenxx]

Hi Everyone!

I am a PhD (all but dissertation) and I've been offered a professional career as an economist in Nashville. I am currently on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. I visited Nashville one time, a week ago for about 24 hours: a morning driving up, an evening in a hotel, an entire morning interviewing, and then a return trip.

I am very excited about the prospect of relocating as I have had to put life aside the past 7 years to pursue my graduate education. Now, I get to start a new life of sorts.

The company is putting up $2500 for relocation and by my calculations I can comfortably afford rent up to $1200 on the salary. I am working on an understanding that they want me to start as soon as I can get up there, and I wish to get up there as soon as possible. I don't like the idea of renting sight unseen, but I must if but for a short-term. The job is near Vandy and Sylvan Park. My only desires are that the unit be 2-bedroom, within walking distance (1-mile) of a market, within 10 miles of work, and accept a 30lb dog. Can anyone recommend a rental, or put me in touch with someone that might be willing to assist?

Thanks in Advance,
... RKP