I am more familiar with pick up put down which is i believe a softer form of controlled crying, you would put your baby down then leave the room, if she cries after 5 minutes go back in, pick her up without talking then put her back down. If she cries leave it 5 minutes go back in pick her up and then put her back down and basically repeat until she falls asleep which takes a lot of perserveance and theres no point doing it if u are going to give up otherwise it wont work.
I think it can also work if u go in after 5 mins settle then wait 10 mins before settling then wait 15 minutes and so on.
I wouldnt worry about ur neighbours, if it is followed through controlled crying can take as little as 3 days to work so in the long run it will be a benefit!