The record low in LA is 28°, which is really warm by heat pump standards.

Generally, I like the idea of getting an asset now and paying into it vs rent, but I also know this market is nuts + LA is a tough market.

I would double check on that, and also try and understand why your escrow is only $315 if your taxes and insurance are $460, and if that is accurate.Out of curiosity, where in South LA is this? 

My only thing is, if I were to finally plant roots in LA, I would need to either sell the FL property or take the equity out for a down payment since the prices are so much higher here.

Quite frankly, the part where you will be submitting forms as the new owner will be the most tedious part.Also, rent control in LA is not as complex as people are making it out to be.

Also, LA is an expensive, competitive marketLet's do an example:- You purchase a SFH on Jan 1st of 2022- In 2023 you do your taxes and put that you received rental income for all of 2022 (365 days) for your 2022 taxes.- Since you've lived in the home for 1 year and demonstrated your ability to be a landlord, you can now use the subject property's current leases to help you qualify for more- Your W2 job brings in $5000/month- The subject property's leases brings in $3000/month- Your combined purchasing power ($5000 + $3000) totals $8000/monthThis means that you can afford more home for your next purchase that may allow for you to pick up a multifamily at a more desirable price range.This is for Fannie Mae only (conventional purchases).

. - yes confirming Airbnb is essentially impossible in LA, so if I were to house hack in LA I would rent out the other space / rent out the hold thing when I moved. 

I would look on the outskirts of LA, I had a homie of mine who got a 5 bedroom house in Bakersfield, CA for 280K.

Here are the 2022 FHA limits for LA County: https://www.fha.com/lending_li...The key to making a multi-family work in LA is rent.

However, house hacking could be a good strategy to start out with to lower your cost of housing (which in LA is huge).