Yes 6 months job.Anywhere near public transport

You need to try more agents - I've got multiple properties (landlords are not necessarily men... ) and higher than advertised rent is not a consideration at all for me - I have the agent advertise the property at the price I want to start with. Can you try and talk to more agents and let them know what you need?

Good timing ...just came back online
Don't know why you were offered an 18 month lease - but anyway, Melbourne has a great public transport system comprising of trains, buses - and within a wide area - a tram system.
http://www.connexmelbourne.com.au/
http://www.yarratrams.com.au/desktopdefault.aspx
If you have a scout around, you'll can see where suburbs are that will be close to your work. PM me if you want to know anything about these suburbs.

I have had rentals through 'Buxton' who we have had a property with for 2 years and 'Biggin and Scott' - both (at least the Elsternwick Offices) are efficient and professional.

There is no prompt check on advertized rentals and there is a system missing, which should seriously care for tenants.The government must consider this otherwise people who consider renting are just rolling ball between real estate agents,landlords and real estate agents have no powers/control over landlords.

Is it hard to get a rental property without references??
We haven't rented for years.
Do they have to be on official paper from estate agents or other such companies? Would a fake reference or two do the job?

You never know. Sometimes its a telephonic reference or sometimes they dont even bother to call your references.

Sorry, but that is a load of rubbish. The system in Victoria is completely skewed to benefit the tenant as opposed to the landlord. Less so in NSW.

He's a troll, and a PITA ... so I learnt !