Apartment searching questions! Please help, asap!?

I'd bring a friend, preferably someone who has rented an apartment. They might notice things or ask questions you wouldn't. If the apartment manager wants to run a background or credit check all they'll need is your social security number and your permission on a form you'll sign giving them permission to run the check. They will want the name and number of your present and possibly previous employer. I would bring a couple of checks. They might want a refundable deposit (if you want them to hold the apartment) and they usually charge a fee for a credit check. You would get your deposit back if you failed the check.