Hi Fredrick,It’s great that you have two strong applicants for your property!

If a person has to ask, at all, I STRONGLY advise to use a PM service for tenant placement. 

Areas near downtown Ventura or the college (Ventura College) are worth exploring for strong tenant demand.

Strong job growth, low unemployment rate, and strong population growth.

I can tell from your questions that you are in a bit over your head and before you make an incorrect decision you should STRONGLY consider a consultation with someone.

It's a relationship game more than anything, so if you're building strong relationships with them and providing a consistent product, you'll be golden.

You can earn strong appreciation but also lose a lot as the entire state becomes increasingly hostile to landlords.

I'll make sure to get out of my comfort zone and build a strong network.

But, they will be in challenging parts of town where realistically you do not want to own property and your long-run returns will under-perform.I'd encourage you to find a balance of sub-market growth, nearby employment, strong income, and only then a good rent-to-value ratio. 

Tech is still wicked strong in CA but, that's being challenged now in a way never before, and getting some traction.