STRs are *NOT* investment properties - they're part of a Hospitality Industry business. 

There are so many sub-markets where you could have success in LA, these are just some that I'm familiar with and have growing industries and a strong tenant pool.You could even look for something in the $1.5M range that has value-add potential.

Then go do that in an industry you are passionate about.If you are focused on doing or seeking the things that make you happy you will stay motivated to continue to achieve them.

It is not necessarily my dream job even though there is in fact money in the medical industry. 

I told my Broker before that I would be OK to pay 25% referral fee which is industry standard. 

Then when the steel industry began to fall, the town did as well.

Recently however, investments in industrial parks have opened up thousands of jobs that attract people from the neighboring counties and  prices are growing by the month.

The rental market here continues to run along fairly strongly, with military, healthcare, and industrial employment being primary economic drivers.     

if it were not there would be no reason to have a Real estate industry at all ... there is a reason that there is a industry and that industry requires licenses.

Volvo just announced a billion dollar plant and Me recedes just announced a 500 million dollar investment.. 14 new hotels under construction with the major cruise ship industry building a embarkation facility which is huge..