If you join us in Berlin - then join Verdi (Union) and they do your taxes for free. They have done a Good job for me the last few years.
i just moved to Berlin and found a decent appartement - albeit not in a hip place - but new build, underground parking big balcony and easy access to airport and public transportation....for about 1000 Euro all included and found and signed within my first few days in Berlin.
it is not impossible- but if you are looking to live somewhere hip and cheap then of course there is a big line for these Appartements.