Buying my first property in LA, what should I go for?

[Jeffrey Anderson Gil]

I'm buying my first property as a 26 year old and I would like to know if buying a duplex is a good idea (live in one unit and rent the other space)? I'm tired of wasting my money on rent but I know I have to wait for the right time to buy...

-Let's say as an example I have 200K to invest and a loan approval of 600K by the bank, where is good to buy in California? 

-I don't want to buy anything beyong 500K because I don't want to be stuck with a high property tax...

-Is the west side overrated? 

-Not a big fan of condos with the HOA fees..

-Should I not buy in California? 

Any guidence/recomendation would be great!

Thanks,

Jeff