* Find a short term sublet so you can look for a more permanent place once you're on the ground, or take a week(end) to fly up and look at places. Taking a place remotely is a gamble.

Always, always find short-term accommodations if you can afford it. Trying to find an apartment in a week in a city you're not familiar with is a huge source of stress and you'll most likely end up living in a sub-optimal location.