Yes, have seen that if you go to the central or northern end of the valley or east towards the Inland Empire, you can certainly get a house for a lot lower (i.e. have seen nice places as low as $1500-$1600/month). I guess my definition of 'LA' is more limited than it should be - Westside, Hollywood, Southern valley, South Bay. If I leave the Westside, would probably prefer to head south before going to the Valley or East (just based on where I work and needing to come to our house in Santa Monica often too).

Anyone with any experience on how much they were able to negeotiate off an advertised rental rate would also be useful knowledge. And even with a lower rent, the same question on any angle to get miles/points/other benefits still applies. Thanks!