Despite being from the Northwest, and loving the recreation here, I'm finding that the best STR properties are all in the southern half of the US, with better year round weather.Secondly, I would agree that AirDNA or MashVisor are going to critical in your search. 

Your profile stated Israel.

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience in and advice for a newbie looking to break into tax lien certificate investing in Southern California (Orange County, Los Angeles County).

Right one here in the Inland Empire (Southern California)!

Its not going to fix itself.As I've said, I've got rentals in southern cook county.

We also have property in southern CA and for markets closer to the ocean there it is more common to not have HVAC systems. 

From everything I've heard from others who own Dollar Generals this is their strategy to string you out and then finally at the last minute they will not renew the lease and will have built the new store.The store sales are very strong at 1.5 million in 2013 and waiting on 2014 numbers.The property is just outside a major southern city.So my questions are the following:Does anyone have experience directly with this situation?

Google his name or Realinvestors, or DC REIA.Another in your direction is Steve Cavanaugh Southern MD REIAMy favorite group is the BWI meetup in Columbia.

@Joe S.My REI strategy that I’m currently doing is basically BRRRR with STR’s in Southern California for example I bought a property for 196K Reno plus furniture 40k all in 240K refinanced out 252K revenue 64K.

I'm a 32 year old Realtor in Southern CA and looking to buy my first investment.