So here in Spain, when you want to rent an apartment, they will ask you to show your revenues for the past 12 months - which is normal - but if you are self employed, they will require you to be registered WITHOUT ANY INTERRUPTION for 1 year... and if you are an employee, you must prove that you have been with your company for at least 1 year. Or they will simply not rent you anything.
I know in Bangkok, they ask pretty much nothing, they obviously get your passport info, you pay 3 months to enter the flat. and you can get a nice 1 bdrm condo for like $450/month. and utilities are ridiculously cheap : my friend in Bangkok pays $2/month for water, $25/month for electricity, $10 for internet...
How complicated are the conditions in your country to rent an apartment ?