I am looking to relocate to Los Angeles and I'm feeling that section 8 may be my best bet to start out.. would my chances of getting housing be hard due to the fact that I am not already a resident of California?

Your chances are going to be hard because there is a long waiting list, years sometimes

Try applying at different housing Authority and then move to where you get accept. Or get a job where you want to live for a year than you will be CA Resident. You may have to apply in another smaller county that open to get in sooner and can Transfer After a year to la that would be easier I am told. I heard of people doing this not sure if it works or not.

Do they help with housing ASAP?

I'm wondering the same thing, but cannot get any answers