This past year, I purchased my first two rental properties in San Antonio (SFR) and Orange Beach, Alabama (STR).

But as an experienced agent and investor (I own several properties across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and Kern Counties), I can tell you that no state beats California for appreciation and rental prices.

For example, a house I owned in Orange County reached a top value of $700,000 in 2007, and I owed around $200,000 on it and it rented for $2,000.00 a month. 

Scenario A :  The project (in Orange County, CA) I am undertaking is a grand-fathered 3-unit property where I will renovate these units and add two ADUs to the lot.

Follow the Orange Line, get off at each stop, and get a feel for the areas.

This is exactly how I got started in real estate just up the street (the I-5) in Orange County.   

We manage SFRs, condos, townhomes, and apartments buildings throughout Orange County.  

For example, we only lend in LA, Orange, and eastern Riverside Counties.

You will also gain valuable experience that you can leverage for other opportunities.Speaking from personal experience, I have several STR rentals in California (I co-own STRental Pros in Orange County, Los Angeles County, and Riverside County).

Orange County.