Becks,
If you want just a tag, make sure you apply to the later periods as well. The residents get the first whack at the permits and generally apply for the first threee periods. You can also see how many permits are issued and how many applicants there are every year in the area you apply for. A non-resident is best to apply in zones where the permit numbers are high. In my zone, there are more tags than applicants. Someone in my group always gets two tags, generally one earlier zone and then period E or F (5th and 6th final periods). Good luck next year.

Let 'Em Go, Let 'Em Grow