i live in downtown los angeles, and have been for the last 3 years. i finally found a place that is not such a pain to move cases around in, but i would definitely take that and parking into consideration. many of the "lofts" around here can be or have:
1. an over priced studio apartment, but they have exposed brick, so for now some reason it is considered a loft.
2. do not offer parking, or do offer parking, but will add 150.00 per month for one space. if they do not offer parking, then you will have to park in a lot which will charge you about the same price. some places do include it in the rent though, like the chapman building on 8 & broadway.
3. if you are looking in downtown, find a place that is near an alley to load and offload from (there are literally billions of places to choose from, and they all have some kind of rooftop extravaganza to entertain on), so you arent stuck lugging your gear 1 or 2 blocks to wherever your car is parked. there is literally no place to park your car on the street for 15-20 minutes (unless it is after 7pm or before 6am) while you bring down your cases that you will not incur some kind of ticket or come down and see a tow truck backing up to your vehicle, unless of course, you want to pay a meter every time you load and unload equipment.
4. beware jay walking tickets. its true, and ridiculous. ive gotten 3. they are not cheap.
5. unless it is after 7pm, your friends will have a great deal of trouble finding parking that they do not have to pay for or, god forbid they drink to much and have to stay over. they tow on every block in the morning monday - friday. i have had to drive many to the yard to pick up their car, and no one is pleased.
other than that, downtown is awesome, just be very careful in selecting a place. many of the buildings are charging enormous amounts in rent because they have a jacuzzi on the roof, or were supposed to be for sale and are now renting, so that is something to look out for too. if you want any help finding places in the area, send me an email. im more than happy to help!