Best County for Rental Property? OC, LA County or SB County?

[Jazmin Hernandez]

Hi everyone! 
I am very very new to this and still trying to learn everything I can about multifamily real estate investments. I am looking to buy my first home (possibly and duplex, triplex or fourplex), however, I have consistently heard to stay away from LA County due to the stricter rent control policies. Is this true? Is this a make or break situation for other investors? I am planning on living in the property for the first few years. 

It has been very challenging to find multifamily homes in OC due to the very little supply. OC is also significantly more expensive than other similar real estate properties in LA or SB County.  Would you suggest looking for other opportunities in LA County or SB County? Or would it be worth it to wait for a good opportunity in OC? 

Thank you!! Appreciate any advice you all may have. 

[Rick Albert]

Why not consider Ventura County? I know inventory is low there, but that's where I would put my money. Many people in LA are heading out there and it is better weather.

LA County works well because inventory is so low your vacancy would be low, thus high rents. I have a client who posted his 2 bed ADU rental and was getting 100-200 calls a day. He had to raise the price to slow it down.

Right now my rental is in LA County and so far so good. We do extensive vetting, which has helped. If I were to buy in So Cal, I would strongly consider Ventura County. I would probably do a house and build out an ADU.