Should I get a broker?

I am currently living at home with my parents so there’s no urgent rush but I know from reading that the rental market explodes once the warmer weather hits. The plan is to start looking April 1st. I live in NJ but not like right across the Hudson. Getting to the city would involve driving and running into traffic/parking issues OR taking public transit which isn’t any better. Maybe worse because the buses kinda do what they want. Anyway, considering these factors does it make sense to just bite the bullet and work with a broker? My assumption is they do the leg work of finding apartments and are essentially working with you as opposed to reaching out to brokers on StreetEasy. I’m just trying to prepare as best I can because I’ve definitely heard stories about the bait and switch, but also going to look at a unit that gets rented while the person is on their way. Any advice would be helpful!

Update: I have the money but do I want to spend the money? Well that’s different lol