Rental properties in California

[Bhavya Shah]

Hi team, 

I am a noob when it comes to real estate investing. I am looking for my first rental property and looking around in the California area since thats where I come from. I started looking at some properties in San Diego area but I am quickly realizing that none of the properties I am looking at return positive cash flow. How are people startegizing to buy and rent out properties in california's metropolitan cities? 

Secondly, I am looking at negative cash flow of around $500-$800. Has anyone ever bought a property that was negative cash flow? If so, what were your reasons for doing so?

Thank you for your time!