You can negotiate a much better rent without the landlord having to pay Agents fees. What is the best websites or publications that you have used in the past?

Forget the web or publications. Just go looking on foot. If it's in a publication or on an English language website, chances are a farang is involved and trying to gouge rental prices.

Oh...wait...condo...I would never rent a condo but I imagine the same applies. Chances are the front desk (if condos have front desks, don't know) or security guard would know if something is available.

Yes beat the feet and check out condo notice boards. Then negotiate direct with the owners. When I first arrived in CM I had booked my condo online and it was via a third party. Result: I paid the equivalent of a months rent for the priviledge .... if you can call it that.

Save money and go direct

I agree with all the above. We spent a few days going from condo to condo, just checking in at the office until we found exactly what we wanted at the price we wanted to pay. If you are looking for a studio apartment, you will have more choices than you'd ever imagine. Same with 2-3 bedroom places. Especially furnished or serviced. One-bedroom apartments are few and far between, but renting a two-bedroom place and negotiating a long lease gets the price down quickly.

I've never used it to make a "purchase" but prakard is a forum with many people advertising rentals directly.