Where to buy my first investment property

[George Ouzounian]

Hi guys, I'm a real estate agent and investor in the Los Angeles area. I did 2 flips and just about to sell my first new construction! I'm looking to purchase an investment property with the profit to buy and hold. 

My budget is about $500K. For $500K you can find a lot of duplexes and few 3-4 units, mostly fixer-upper in east LA not very good areas built in early 1900's 

If I expand my search to Kern County, Bakersfield about 2 hours away. I can find 4-6 units 100% occupied under $400K some in the $200's 

Do I stick to the east LA area and buy a smaller duplex or triplex fixer or do I go out to Bakersfield and buy 6 units? 

Thank you in advance!