Hi mumof4. It was not long ago that we moved to Spain. We rented an apartment from the internet for 2 months, until we could actually be here and have a look at all the areas and decide where we want to live.
We ended up staying in the same village, Manilva, where we were renting the 1st apartment, we got our NIEs with the Estepona Police, we got our padron, we had Spanish bank accounts, got medical private insurance and registered autónomo (that covers us for National Health Insurance/ Pension) and I could run my business and for renting a flat we signed an 11 months contract, with a local agency, and paid 1 month warranty, 1 month in advance (for the last month of the contract) and the 3 months in advance, but that was our choice. Usually you pay the actual month of signing. The agent was great! I would definetly recomend them.
Also, if you rent only for a couple of months it gives you the change to see where you want to live, what area, in case you have not decided yet.
I hope all goes well and we are here for you if you need anything.
Valentina