Question

How can I find an apartment with a poor rental history or landlord reference?

Answer 1

Seek a man of the cloth that ye might be forgiven to go on and rent again. That or get on of your buddies to answer the phone and pretend that he/she is an old land lord.

Answer 2

I would first find a place that was owned by a private party. Then, offer to pay a month or so ahead. So, if the rent was $500/month, pay the first and last, the deposit and then offer to pay a few more months ahead. This might show that you are serious.