for HDB, i wud pick 2 or 3 areas that i think are convenient to get to my working place. from those area I wud then take time to recce the place and take note of blocks that are cleaner and newer (perhaps newly renovated/painted etc) and only then wud i surf the web to see if theres a unit available...
im also currently looking around. i got my RN from Florida with a couple of years experience. the procedure of getting registered is a lil bit confusing. I now know that i need to get an offer letter first, now does any1 with the same background as mine wud like to share whether it is better for me ...