before you can buy an apartment

• raise at least 1k for rent + security deposit + utilities
• have a steady income
• raise an "emergency fund"
• know how to operate a vehicle
• find a roommate/s with a steady income
• have $30-100 for a credit check
• $50-100 for apartment move in basics (tp/pt/light bulbs/etc)
• renters insurance >$150 a year

when you're looking for apartments

• login to Nextdoor
• ask questions
  • any lead in walls or lead paint
  • when where the appliances installed and how have they been in use
  • how old is the building / when was it last renovated
  • what's the laundry situation
  • and a checklist more

when you find an apartment

• read the lease
• check out the tenant's rights handbook

omahgerd is this apartment really mine

• time management
• move in checklist

helpful articles

• getting your first apartment
• a guide for renting your first apartment