The scenario is : you move to Frankfurt, you have to find a flat in a matter of weeks and you don't have these three payslips since you just moved here. Also, you are not German.
This sounds like Mission impossible, right? Probably it is, but I will tell you how I did it.
1. Use Immobilienscout.de (or its app)
2. Pay for its premium membership, connect your bank account and do all the fancy data entry it requires.
3. But, do keep in mind that real estate agents all around the world have one thing in common : THEY NEED TO RECEIVE A PHONE CALL. Never assume that your polite message is enough (btw, your message should be in German - but almost all real estate agents are happy to switch to English)
4. Create a search in immobilenscout and check it all the time for new results. Again repeating, send your polite message but CALL the RE agent the very same moment you see something interesting.
5. Remember, you don't pay the RE agent (the owner does) but the 'von privat' ads are more likely to be responsive.
6. If the Nebenkosten are less than 150 or more than 300 something looks fishy (they need to explain you the reason either directions) . Also, this story that the owner moved to Spain or whatever but he will handle all remotely is just the typical scam.
8. An atypical scam consists of the current tenant requiring a huge 'abdchlage' to sell his furnitures to you. A typical kitchen does cost 3k (and by 'kitchen', Germans mean every device in the kitchen - even the sink) but one guy was literally asking 9k - as if he had placed a golden wc somewhere.
8. If you receive a message to a Besichtigungstermin for a decently priced flat where your confirmation is not needed then just don't go. It will be like a warzone with dozens of people struggling to catch a glimpse of the place - and, given your circumstances, you are not the first option.
9. To the appointments where you will actually go, reach at least five minutes earlier. You may get the chance to chat with the RE agent first (and, remember, he/she is a GOD in this situation, try to be extra nice)
10. Flats on top floors without elevator may be an option for you - don't be picky! .. of course, as long as it's not one of the very steep ones where you know that, sooner or later, you will crash on them throwing around all your weekend groceries.
11. On top of everything, always use any kind of connection possible. In my case, being Greek probably helped since the company of the flat was owned by a Greek guy (only God knows how many rejections I also got because of the very same reason :))
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