Hmmm.....an estate agents really would be a last restort IMO, agree with DD, rent a car or bike and just drive around the housing estates and other areas, you'll get to know the city better this way too. The rent will probably turn out to be cheaper if you do it on your own, ask a few friends about the current status of things.
You might want to check out whether there is a temple close by as that will interject with your peaceful mornings, for some reason they take great pleasure in annoying as many as possible with unnecessary sound.
Remember too that most people that rent are not professional landlords, might never have done it before and you are the first tenant. Deposits are often spent quickly and they haven't given any consideration to the concept of maintaining the property to an acceptable level. Usually you are paying in advance so make sure you don't pay the last months rent and tell them to take it from your deposit, that way at least you get it back, might be the only way.
Good luck.
