Relocating to Laurel-Hattiesburg area looking for any/all recommendations. (real estate, rentals)

[geminielf]

Hi All!
Let me start by telling you we live in Ohio, we have been dreaming/planning this move for a good while now and are beginning to lose hope. I am disabled now and have a lot of time for tv which started this whole thing. I watch fixer upper and hometown & others like them. I have been watching the show filmed down there and had the impression that finding housing would be easier than it is. Granted we aren't buying but is it really THAT hard to find rentals? I understand that some pretty bad storms have come through recently and that would have impact on the available inventory.
I guess I'm here trying to find out if any local people down there can point me to an agent realtor or some professional that will help us find a place from out of state. I have tried the real estate sites and I won't say they are all bad but.....some of these folks are out of their minds! I am beginning to think there are no properties for rent and these sites are just trying to make their money the only way they can, off dummies like me wanting to really truly rent a home in a new state, to have a better life and surroundings than we have now. How can you justify $40 per person non refundable just to apply, and that is the cheap ones! We would NEVER be able to move! To apply to ten places for myself and my son would be $800.00!!! Is it me or is that just insane? We would wind up spending everything we have just putting in applications!
Am I that uninformed, delusional?
Thanks for reading and appreciate any and all information.

[Mississippi Alabama Line]

Regardless of where you move, I recommend the Dave Ramsey ELP realtors in the area. https://www.daveramsey.com/elp/residential-real-estate

I've always gotten good realtors off that site who have helped me, and I've moved a ton of times. A good realtor can help you and let you know exactly what you're getting into. Don't do the research yourself.

[dariennecrosby]

I'm a realtor in South Mississippi and yes, it is hard to find a good rental at an affordable price. Definitely better off buying in some areas because the note can be far cheaper than rent. If you have any more questions just email me at [email]darienne.hlrprop@gmail.com[/email] I'd be more than happy to help

[geminielf]

Sorry it took so long to respond, I just received notice this morning. I did send you an email at the address you listed.