Put your zip code into a program
like this one.
You get a list of satellites and where they are in the sky from your vantage point.
The one highest, is the one directly south of you.
The farther south
you are (South Texas, South Florida, South California), the higher it will be in the sky.
The more north you are (Canada , for instance) the lower it'll be in the sky.
Point being, you can likely see it over the next building.
As you aim eastward or westward to see more satellites, they get lower in the sky for you.
Depending on where you are in North America, there is a slight error between a compass and true north/south.
When you look at the highest bird in the sky, it'll be at the same longitude as you are.
The chart will show it at 180º true, but you want the magnetic direction off the chart.
Use that number with a compass and look out across the space between buildings.
If you have an angle finder, or a protractor, you can also try to sight up in the sky at various angles as listed on the chart above, and see how many satellites you might be able to get.
Take a picture of your blacony from across the way, and take one from your balcony looking true south.
I'm sure a picture is worth a thousand words.
Post 'em here and I'm sure you'll get a good thousand from us.
Oh, and as to what the satellites you see might have on them, take a look at any of these lists:
http://www.satelliteguys.us/1098232-post3.html