Staying in California for a few months.. Please help! (Los Angeles: apartments, rentals)

[bingo15]

Hi I'm currently planning on making a 3 month trip to Cali so for this purpose I am looking for a studio apartment or something similar (small apartment with bed, maybe small kitchen and a bath, hopefully it's possible to find something costing no more than 1000$ per month).. I am looking for something like this because staying at a hotel for 3 months would be too expensive. Can anyone tell me if people who rent out small apartments in Cali (specifically in Los Angeles county or Orange County or very close) normally allow a rent for only 3 months? OR are most contracts for a minimum duration of more than 3 months? I found that it's very difficult to rent something like that over the internet since I have no clue as to what location is close to what, what is a safe place and what is not, how the apartment REALLY looks (a few pictures on the internet aren't enough to convince me) that's why I'm thinking of going to Cali, first staying at a hotel/motel for like 1 week, and while I'm there look for a studio apartment... Is this a good idea? Is it easy to find available housing for less than 1000$ per month? And can the "contract" be made easily or is it a difficult and long process? As I said I basically only need the apartment for sleeping as I will be out the rest of the day. It preferably has to be as close to the "attractions" (Santa Monica, hollywood, a beach) as possible. Can anyone recommend me anything???? What area should I search for? And WHERE should I search for apartments, motels? Any cheap but good hotels/motels close to any attraction which can be recommended??? How do you make sure you are not being scammed? Im also wondering about how easy it is to make money in LA... I know that it's illegal for an immigrant with no working permit to work and make money, but just for curiosity's sake, is it easy to get a temporary job or to do something to make some quick cash while in Cali? Any ideas?

[Twinkle Toes]

We're all looking to make some quick cash.

[bingo15]

I meant more like how to make some cash while I'm there... It doesn't necessarily have to be easy, it just has to be something I can find out quick how to do.

[bellalunatic]

Have you checked out

VRBO® is Vacation Rentals By Owner

that may work for you

[Adriatica]

Unemployment in CA is pretty high, so jobs are not easily found right now. Temp jobs will be highly sought after by people who have been laid off, too, so competition will be stiff. Moving to CA right now without a job already lined up is NOT a good idea for anyone.