Rental-hunting in Chapala proper

I'll be coming down in July to look for a place to rent long-term (said rental to start, hopefully, in October this year). We're looking to settle initially in Chapala proper. Can anyone recommend a strategy, such as: Engage a realtor? Haunt the web? Stand in the street in likely neighbourhoods and loudly describe what I'm looking for, and hope someone responds? I can get by in basic Spanish and am comfortable doing so in my search, as necessary. Thanks for any tips/leads!
--- Old Lars

There are lots of rental websites and most of the RE companies also list rentals on their websites. You can also walk around a desired area and look for the "se renta" signs. Engaging an RE agent usually means they will only show you what they have. Your best deals can be found if you deal directly with the owners.

I second the advice from CBob.
I would add to check the "Rent" section on this board.
It is also good to post your own "Wanted" ad being as specific as possible about what you are looking for.
You may also post a wanted ad on chapala.com -- though "for sale" or "rent" ads are not allowed there.
Oh, and when you are here, talk to every gringo you encounter and mention what you are looking for. You never know when somebody will know somebody who....
Best of luck!

Hello Old Lars.... I'm going to be down in July also looking for a place to rent long-term and hopefully actually moving down in October although I prefer central Ajijic. My plan is to check the various bulletin boards around town and at the LCS and walk the area where I think I want to live.

To our humble administrator....any swarms happening say in mid-July?

None planned yet Calexico but we are long overdue so what date works best for you? We can start planning one from there.

I'll be down July 17-25. I hope there is some interest, the photos I've see of previous swarms looks like lots of fun.
Ken

OK, I'll arrange one during that time period.

I am hoping Phil can attend and let us know about the Futbol situation at the same time.

Stay tuned!!!

Thanks for the feedback, folks. We'll be arriving on 5 July and be there for a solid week to see what we can find. We'll swing past the various businesses where we made friends in February and see if we can get any leads that way, as well as walk the streets of downtown Chapala. We'll look at engaging a realtor as a third option only if necessary.

And maybe we'll head over to Ajijic mid-week to drop in for a visit at the Piano Rojo and the Hotel Casablanca. I hope Piano Rojo still has the Wednesday night open mic going... I've got some new songs to try out!

We are so looking forward to this! :-D