i think you mis-understand my motives... I have no desire to get a condo,. I am simply trying to point out that not all condos are as expensive as you're implying.
I think the key is to contact a bunch of different places, that way you don't waste your time waiting for a reply on place that doesn't work for you.
Not at all, I understand you're just trying to help out the community (which I GREATLY appreciate as a noob), as am I by sharing my experiences.
Despite that, I agree, definitely contact a bunch of places. I contacted 16 before I gave up on the idea (I just counted my emails

). This was before Christmas though, and I'm sure there are some better deals out there now.
I've used airbnb (well, stayed w/ someone that used it). The rates can and will vary greatly. Not everyone will have the ridiculous mark up either because they don't care or because they don't know until after the fact. Like with anything else, research it thoroughly and make sure you understand what you are commiting yourself to and keep all your documentation.
I think where I went wrong was mentioning Comic-Con in my emails to the owners. It is possible it didn't occur to some of them until i mentioned it. Perhaps a better idea would be to ask for a quote without mentioning the Con, then try to jump on securing the place before they realize what's going on that week.
Anyway, sorry to hijack the thread.