We are starting the rehab process on Monday but don't have a short term rental management company nailed down yet. 

My main goals are equity preservation through tax deferment and long-term growth. 

I also state: no smoking inside the house, late fees for rent ($50 per month), $45 fee for insufficient funds, lease automatically renews for 60 days at 125% of the rent unless landlord or tenant gives notice to terminate the agreement, overnight guests limited to 5 consecutive days, no nails and scotch tape on the walls to hang items on the wall and use of Command hooks/tape for damage free hanging, no antennas and satellite dishes shall be erected, tenants responsible for landscraping (mowing the lawn), snow removal in driveways and walkway to front door, and cleaning dryer vent. 

@David StuartDavid, you nailed it…San Pedro and Long Beach best bang for your buck right now and best potential for highest appreciation compared to other areas you mentioned.Lomita isn’t near beach really, but it’s nice family starter area if you can’t afford Torrance.But I would look into San Pedro for sure.

You hit the nail on the head regarding cleaning and maintenance.Have you chatted up some folks in the area you are interested?

But you have to nail this.3.  

@Bruno LiguttiIf you are planning on financing, @Michael Weigum has hit the nail on the head. 

@Ross Dickson hit the nail on the head.

My agent really did some work and nailed me a "cadillac" insurance plans as he likes to call it. 

But actually, @Pablo Avila nailed the response.