But I am looking for a better place for STR preferably in California. 

I paid state income tax in MN and CA so I wanted to so I’d that. 

I invest in Detroit from California, and the trust I have with my boots on the ground is the key.

The problem:  I'm on contractor #10 in Southern CA and so far nobody wants to quote the project!!

I used a lawyer in New York to setup my first NY LLC and a lawyer from California to setup my first CA LLC.

California is that way or at least when i was running developments for a big syndicator we had to buy them up front and close. you had 45 to 90 days for DD then you have to close..

I've been on the hunt for a California STR property and Oakhurst seems to be one of the few that are in favor of STRs. 

That way regardless of 2-4 units you can add an ADU for you or as extra rent per month.Most of my customers tend to buy outside of CA but it is possible to buy in Cali if you are going to buy as a primary home.

The other technique Ken is talking about is doing a wrap or in CA you have a really cool debt instrument called a All inclusive Deed of trust..

If you want to be within driving distance, CA still may make sense.