I know its a rough market to get involved in real estate, especially in southern California, but I'm hopeful that I'll be able to find a place in or near Ventura County for my fiance and I to buy, fix up, live in and rent out the other rooms/units as a first step in the journey. 

Im in Ventura county which is also an elevated housing market.

The area I will be moving to is in Ventura County where the price of real estate is pretty expensive!

bets place to find all the info is down at the city or countythey will have all the records you are looking for plus they should have a copy of the perkwhy your running around go to the tax mans office and get the info on the property so you know what the taxes are and if they have been paid, this could be a ace in the hole for many people sell land because they owe on the taxesenjoy

Here are ways to do it: 5 Hacks For Acing Your Next Negotiation

I'll be going to a community college in Ventura County and living at home for a little while pocketing the monthly housing allowance so I can save up that way. 

@Jr ReyesI am a local Ventura County investor as well.I attend in person meetups and host a virtual Multifamily meetup as well.I direct market for off market property in the Ventura County market.

Bought a 1 ace lot for $13,500 with a double wide, owned by somebody else. 

@Ralph Ace I would proceed with caution for sure.

@Daniel Ventura check out Florida Family Insurance.