I live in southern California in the inland empire, if you were in my position what would you do?

run your real estate (empire) like a business. 

Use that as a thread title and then call one, let him know your not only looking fir one right now but all future business when it comes to your building empire and you might find one that works with landlords at a reasonable cost, because you might be digging a deeper hole with every action even if it seems reasonable to you or common sence ..

So it can be done on the west coastAnd In CA. you can find cash flow as well .. just not within 20 miles of the ocean in most areas.. but inland you can definitely find same quality cash flow as in many other states plus the lifestyle in CA.. can be pretty fantastic really. 

Contact Wash Laundry - at least for the High Desert/Inland Empire, I have been very happy since first working with them 9 years ago and slowly converting my legacy (purchased property contracts) over to them.

Just NYC, check the historical transaction histories on the Empire State Building, Stuyvesant Town–Peter Cooper Village, and 666 Park Ave where the President’s son-in-law fell down the rabbit hole.

@Madison Guess for buy and hold in state I'd probably do either the Inland Empire or North county. 

The problem for small guys in my area, Inland Empire, is the minimum for month to month, is 3 months, at $250 per month.

What are thoughts on purchasing a multi-family complex in a cheaper area (Arkansas, Mid-West, somewhere else) and/or a cheaper home in the Inland Empire in Southern California?

You'd be able to collect empirical data that someone was smoking in unit or basement.