good luck starting out in LA...i realize there's a lot of fucking people, and a lot of fucking bands, but competition is FIERCE! not only is the market flooded with up-and-comers, but with all the large studio closings, there's a lot of experienced engineers/producers who are now working out of either their homes, or smaller facilities.
on top of that, i wouldn't randomly try to go into business over the 'net with people, and especially not with people in LA...there's a lot of cutthroat fucks who will do everything they can to rip you off to get theirs. i'm not saying that applies to anyone posting here, but you never know.
i would suggest finding a few bands around to do demos for. out of every decent band, there'll always be at least one guy who's interested in the technical aspects of engineering and producing - single these people out, maybe have them help you out with a couple of sessions, see if they're hard-working and honest, and build a business relationship from there.
there's also quite a few schools in the LA area that offer recording classes...everything from 1-year deals like the LARW to CSU dominguez hills and northridge, along with some community colleges. there's a school in glendale called orange community college or something to that effect that has an SSL board and offers an associate's in Rec. Arts. even if you're not interested in getting any type of degree/education in this realm, taking a class somewhere could put you in touch with a lot of people with similar goals and interests. there's a couple of people in the class i'm taking now who i would consider starting either a studio or a band with, but i'm packing my shit up and moving in a couple months, so i'm not going to waste my time or theirs with such endeavors.
