How do you find a good broker? (to rent, to buy)

[iloveyou]

Lots of questions here:
2. Can one expect to pay about the same monthly price for a broker apt vs. going to a fee free apt.?

3. Apts that include (in the monthly rent) electricity, water, etc..? Is this common? Where do I find them?

4. I found a bunch of apts. in NYC, but can not seem to find the name of them or how to rent them online. Do these mostly require brokers or does one have to know someone and or do they typically get passed down?

5. How soon is too soon to look for an apt.? Am I allowed to just go view one without the intention to buy or is it more like they give you a day and a time where there will be 5 other parties with their checkbook ready to buy. I typically like to look at a place privately taking all the time I need to decide before choosing.

6. Apts. with parking? Do some apt. have arrangements with nearby parking garages for cheaper rates?

Thanks.