23 first thing I did was make up a budget. I even exaggerated certain bills/expenses to make sure I could afford to move out. Then I started saving a portion of my check after paying existing bills. After I saved up enough to cover a security deposit then I started looking.
I knew I couldn't go over a certain amount. A good rule of thumb IMO is the "one check rule" meaning if one check can't cover rent I can't t afford it. Craigslist is the main site I used padmapper and sites like rent.com didn't really work for me. :larry: I applied and toured 5 places most of them were crappy

The one I liked out of those I didn't get approved for then I found the place I'm at now a week later. I got lucky because I moved in at the end of the month so rent was prorated to a fraction of the rent.
The most important things to remember is to save as much as possible, make a budget (go over it several times), and be patient when looking for a place. I underestimated how hard apartment hunting is when I was looking especially if you're a first time renter. Also call the gas/electric company and ask them if they charge a deposit. I've heard stories of people paying $300 to start up utilities

my company didn't have a deposit thank God