Rookie investing in CA, is it still possible?

[Kesean Diamond]

Looking to buy my first investment property in CA, a long term rental. Prices are rising and hitting any where close to the 1% rule on a rental is not seen very often. Where do I start? How much I need minimum? I know house hacking is an option at 3.5%, but after that?. I have no inroads into the business and looking to grow my network. Does anyone have experience and success investing in SoCal recently? How much I need minimum? Where should I start?