First of all--- welcome to CHR!!! I agree with Stu Cool the easiest cars to build are late `40's or early/ mid `50's. These cars are easy to find and in CA you shouldn't have to much rust to deal with. First thing you should look for is a car that is running, so you can drive it while your working on it. Spray can flat black paint
works good if you take your time and don't have an air compressor. Remember always to build what YOU like, but drive what you build.
Good Luck with what ever you build and keep us informed.