Off Campus Housing

Hi guys,
I got into McGill about two months ago or so and I’m now looking at accommodation. I find the Rez too expensive so I’d like to find my own room/apartment around McGill. I’d like to share it with one or several roommates.
I’ve looked at the areas and found McGill Ghetto and a few other close areas, I can’t remember.
The problem is, I live in France and I won’t be entering Canada probs before August. That means I can’t visit the apartment, and I will have to find a roommate through the internet. Do landlords usually mind not to meet the person? I guess the best solution would be to find a room in an apartment in which a roommate is leaving.
I’ve looked on the McGill off campus website, I found some rooms for rent but not that many. I was wondering if more people were going to post these next month (maybe it’s too early).
Also, I’d like to rend from August to May 1st, but I see some rents that are from May till May, is that usually the case?
Thanks everyone!
Juliette