New to Real Estate Investing in Los Angeles - Where to start?

[Ivan Alvarado]

Hello,

My name is Ivan, I'm 26 years old, started working full-time straight out of college. I'm a Software Engineer and I have a pretty good job where I make good money, but with a big paycheck there are also big expenses. I want to learn to invest my money to a point where my assets cover my expenses.

I moved back home to start saving and I want to invest my savings into property that will generate passive income for me (for now, because I have a good job. I eventually want to establish financial freedom with real estate). Listening to BiggerPockets' podcast I've heard people say to buy property within 2-hours of where you live. I live in the Los Angeles area (San Fernando Valley) and I'm thinking of investing in or around Los Angeles County. 

My overall goal is to become financially stable through real estate investing.

I am clueless about real estate and I've started saving a percentage of my monthly checks since I've started working. To me, Southern California seems to be a complex market because of its demand. 

As a complete beginner in Southern California, what can I do right now to kickstart my goal?

Thank you for your time.