I lived in what is now called Aqua Marina on Lincoln when I first moved here. About 2k for a 1 bedroom, about 2400-2500 for a two bedroom. I also worked in Beverly Hills and hate traffic more than anything. So that is definitely not a bad commute by L.A. standards. A lot of medical personnel live in this building or at least they used to. Travel contracts are not so common now but used to be a lot of travel nurses. Gunter was living there at the same time I was and Hide is living there now. There are no bad areas in the Marina. There are "bad" areas of Venice, Culver City, and Santa Monica. Some areas where I wouldn't live. Forty55 lofts is very nice and fairly new. It is away from the water on Redwood, which isn't necessarily bad. I think a little over 3k for a 1 bedroom, little over 4k for a two bedroom. Everyone on the west side uses West Side Rentals to look for rentals here . There is a fee but it is worth it. Culver City is a great area as well but most people own. The best buildings in Venice people also own but you may find something you like. I would not live in Santa Monica for a variety of reasons. There a lot of nice buildings on Jefferson in Playa del Rey. Mostly owned but if someone is renting it'll be on West Side Rentals. I would not live anywhere else in L.A. County personally. Those 4 areas only and they are all adjacent to each other. Just get West Side Rentals and pick out some places to see, you'll be good to go. LMK if you have questions.
Rex.