Like any areas where good properties are in short demand you've got to do the leg work, see lots of crap, be nice to lots of people, stay in touch and be patient... the adage that lucky people are those who work hardest at it is pretty apt. Plus, be prepared to move fast and know what compromises you are prepared to make.

We saw loads of places, all overpriced and terrible. Then one day a contact we had built up called: someone had dropped out of a project. We were going on holiday 2 days later, but made sure we did our homework and got the sales agreement done, finally by fax from the hotel.

Good luck Daniel