Renting in Jackson heights

Hey all. I am wanting to move into Jackson Heights/Elmhurst and I wanted to ask if anyone had any tips or tricks on securing a high-quality but low cost rental. I am willing to work with a rental broker but often times I find that they are lazy and want a lot of money for doing nothing, and I don't want to sign a contract to pay them not knowing if they'll actually show me anything worthwhile.

Should I just walk around the neighborhood for a while and look for signs? Does anyone know good, qualified brokers with connections to the local landlords? Streeteasy/craigslist seem pretty bereft of good rentals at the moment. Thanks