I'd highly recommend getting a crashpad in a neighborhood that's off the AirTrain route. Try for South Ozone...that's where mine was (before it got shut down....). The AirTrain is the free train that goes around to all the terminals, out to Jamaica, the long term parking lot, and Howard Beach. However, if you get a place off Lefferts Blvd (long term lot stop), that's the only stop where you won't have to pay each time. So...it'll be a short walk to the station and a free ride, rather than having to pay $5 ea time if you go to Jamaica (Kew Gardens) or Howard Beach.

Good Luck!