Hi, I was approved for SSDI the first time with no problem and no lawyers.
Although I did not even attempt to apply for it until 12 years after my surgeries.
Which were 26 years ago. I'm so very thankful for it everyday.
Its been a month since your post so I hope you have found a place to rent.
I live in the mid west so rent is quite a bit less I'm sure but I have always found the opposite problem with renting and SSDI. I've found that landlords think of it as more of a dependable form of income. Sorry you have not had the same experience. Although I did have one landlord ask "WHY" I was on SSDI and by law they are not allowed to ask that. I'm not ashamed of why I am so it didn't bother me to tell her about my UC and my pouch.
Like I said hoping things are working out for you.