I'll definitely be there! (if I manage to get tickets, of course - fingers crossed!)
Yup, me too!! 
I booked a studio apartment right in Nolita not far from the bar, they have a 2 night minimum and it's relatively cheap compared to hotels in the area. Roomorama.com
Hmmm, I just checked and they usually ask for a security deposit in cash... (from $100 to $1000 for some! 
)
The gentlemen I am renting from says I can do 100 and he gives it back at checkout. It also had said 350 for a deposit at one place and 200 at another , so I asked him and he said 100 would be fine. I think it depends on the person you work with, mine seems pretty flexible. he's also letting me check in earlier (because it was 530!). You can leave an inquiry without any commitment, so I'd ask around.
I was a little confused on how it worked so I asked him and he said you actual pay the website, which you can do with paypal or a credit card. then when you get there, you give the person a cash deposit, which he then gives back when you check out. It seems like at a hotel when the put a hold on your credit card in case you damage something then they can charge you for it. If you were to do damage to the apt then they have the money to cover the damage.
