Relocating to Raleigh/Charlotte (NC): Seeking Advice on Affordable, Pet-Friendly Rent

[Brian Dusape]

Hello BiggerPockets Community,

I'm seeking some advice as I plan a relocation to the Raleigh-Durham area (or potentially Charlotte) in about 6 weeks. My goal is to find a pet-friendly 1-bedroom apartment for under $1000/month in a quiet suburb that's within a 15-30 minute commute to a bustling city center.

A bit about me: I'm an entrepreneur also doing gig work. I'm looking for a place with a strong community vibe, a progressive atmosphere, diverse population (especially 25-35 crowd), and access to tech/startup meetups and co-working spaces.

My key challenges/questions for this community:

• Budget & Pet-Friendly: Finding 1BRs under $1000 that are genuinely pet-friendly (dog, no breed restrictions ideally) is tough. Are there specific neighborhoods/suburbs in the Raleigh-Durham metro (e.g., Cary, Apex, Garner, Knightdale, Durham itself) or Charlotte metro (e.g., Huntersville, Matthews, Concord) where this is more feasible?
• Credit History: My credit isn't ideal right now as I'm building my businesses. What strategies have local landlords/property managers seen work for tenants in similar situations? (e.g., larger deposit, stronger income proof, cosigner, private landlords vs. large complexes).
• Income Verification (Gig/Startup): How do landlords in NC typically verify income for gig workers or new founders? Any tips on presenting this clearly?
• Connecting with Property Managers: Is it effective to reach out directly to property managers of complexes I'm interested in, even if they don't have current openings, to get on a list or inquire about upcoming availability?
• Local Insights: Any general advice for someone like me moving to the area? Specific communities for entrepreneurs/tech professionals, or places to find good dog parks/vets?

I appreciate any insights, direct contacts, or referrals this experienced community can offer. Thank you for your time!