Hm, let's see:
* I would also consider a rescue, EXCEPT that a reputable rescue will probably require a letter from your landlord stating the dogs are allowed... so that would be tough.
* Something to consider is that your dog may need a lot of exercise. I usually take mine out for at least an hour every day to play fetch or to let him run around. Will you be able to make that time commitment?
If you keep him tired, he will be less likely to bark.
* I think in Orange County, you should expect to pay $800 MINIMUM for a yorkie. I think anything from $800 to $1600 is reasonable. Again, if you get an older yorkie, it will be cheaper.
* MAKE SURE you go to a good breeder, rescue, even a re-home. There is a sticky with tips on how to find a good breeder. Some puppy brokers pose as rescues, so you need to look into those as well. I also met a woman who got two beautiful yorkies off of craigslist, and she said one had cost her $4K in vet bills. So it's very important to make sure you get a healthy dog. If you get a re-home, make sure it comes with a vet check.
Again, and I hate to say this, a very good breeder would probably not want to sell you a dog knowing that dogs are technically not allowed in your apt. And they should ask you a lot of questions, so this will most likely come up. So you will need to think about how to do this without going someplace shady.
* As other people have said, make sure that as a student, you will be able to afford the dog and its care. This includes the possibility of an unexpected emergency that could possible cost another $1,000. You might want to get pet insurance.
* Puppies take a LOT of time, not just with house breaking (which can be a killer), but they also go through teething, they need to be socialized, they may challenge your authority, etc, etc. It's also your job to expose a puppy to lots of different people, dogs, and places to get it well adjusted and confident in the world. Make sure this is the right time in your life to do this. Also, can you take the dog to puppy class?
It's great that you are doing your research beforehand. I'm sure you can pull this off if you are really determined, but once you're in, you're in, so again, just think it through. Is there an animal shelter nearby you can volunteer at to get more experience with dogs? I walk dogs for a shelter once / week.
Good luck!
