I need to investigate more about how to control a LLC or trust like you mentioned.

Just trying to figure out what city or town will be good to invest in planning to live there for a year and then invest in another property and so on.

These type of investments are illiquid, long-term and completely out of your control. 

Many years ago when foreclosures were the hot item and every idiot in town was getting rich from them till the bubble burst, I paid $180 for Carlton Sheets No money down deal course hardcopy books and cd's well I bought the house I was renting with 0 down.

A lot of Cali folks focus on the Midwest but don't know the states, towns, or cities, and also don't know anyone so they are flying blind there.

These are all outside of your control.

I avoid tiny towns unless cap rate is very high like 16 to 18.

With the new rent control policies, there is zero incentive to lower rent as it may take years before you could recoup that with the minimal increases they allow. 

I am hoping to find a single family home that I can "BRSTRHHRR" (buy, reno, Short term rent|House Hack, refinance, repeat) by creating a separate living space in a single family home that can be STRed (this is due to local restrictions in my town that prevent STR in multifamily properties). 

If they lock themselves out, they pay to get back in.I am in a small town where it usually takes 15 minutes to bring someone a key.