What's the best way to find an apartment in Capitol Hill/Seattle, WA area? I'm out of state, help!!!?

I'm currently living in Des Moines, IA finishing school and saving up for the big move in April. It's too early to sign a lease but I want to look at all my options. I've been checking Craigslist and Rent.com but I'm afraid the best places aren't going to be posted on these sights. I'm hoping that'd I'd be able to set up all arrangements with a place before I move out there....but so many landlords want to meet their potential tenants beforehand. Would it be to my benefit to arrive a week early and and just go searching the neighborhoods and hope I'll come up with something good? I don't always trust those pictures that people put up of their units, but I'm also on a budget. Anyone have any suggestions?