i agree. the HDB agents don't really work for you. they don't care if you find a flat or not, as long as they get a tenant for the flat they are representing. that's why they schedule a lot of tenants to view the property at the same time.
there's a wide range in terms of the conditions of the flat. some are crap, you wouldn't even want to set foot in, much less live in it. most of ok, but come with a horrible mix-match of furniture. we've found a couple whihc are fine, and i think it's because it's the owner moving out (as opposed to several generations of tenants). some want to lease only for 1+1 year (one year, with the option of renewing for another year at a price increase, of course) so if you're looking to rent for a longer period, that's something you might want to ask first.
pinayjade: i sent you a pvt msg with a few websites where you can look for HDB ads.