u/Frosty_Chicken_3478

We all know rental market is horrible here, but I was wondering if anyone can share any tips/experience on securing a long term contract. I've just started a search two weeks ago and was already rejected from 3 apartments where landlords chose other tenants, which is pretty discouraging start. I thought I had good profile as a potential tenant- but maybe that's not the case - I have a stable job with an employment contract here (employed for over 2 years), good income (around 10k/month net), I live alone. I'm constantly on idealista, trying to schedule viewings, but long term rentals are pretty rare. Can anyone share their experience? In particularly, I'd like to know your thoughts:

1. None of the landlords/agents I met asked for upfront rent payment (6/12 months)- just agency fees, deposit and first month's rent. But is this a new normal to propose it yourself as a potential tenant? Can you even rent a place without proposing an upfront payment?
2. Is it worth it to get yourself an agent for an apartment search? Or is it usually getting the same idealista offers and the same super competitive application process if you're interested?
3. How long did it take you to a find long-term apartment? I need to find something by the end of August and I'm starting to get stressed with these 3 rejections already.
4. Are couples preferred over single tenants? Out of curiosity, I'm wondering if I'm appearing as higher risk tenant.

Any tips would be super helpful!