Inland Empire has definitely cheaper priced homes but there is a trade off for a longer commute. 

I am in the Southern California inland empire area.

Not sure WalletHub is a beacon of empirical research. 

I think one would be great as an agent, the other would be great at design. i want to build a legacy real estate empire with them!

Plenty of duplexes in the Inland Empire that you could put that money towards and actually have a decent return on your investment. 

I am looking to start flipping come Jan. 2022, looking for 3+ BR; 2+ Bath distressed properties in the Inland Empire (primarily Menifee, Temecula, Murrieta, Sun City and Wildomar - California).I came across this listing that seems to be ideal:https://www.realtor.com/reales...I will not be making an offer as I am not ready yet but would love to get others opinions if I am on the right track.

Better than the guy I bought my last property from who tried to leverage his inherited 4 family into an empire and lost it all underwater in the subprime crash.

In your market you have to get comfortable with building your empire from a distance. 

Every war human kind has ever known, rise and fall of governments, empires, countries and conquerors.

Going owner occupied w/ little to $0 down in an area like San Diego (or even the Inland Empire) is a great, safe move because of the amazing appreciation.