So i bought a $120 bike on craigslist in the getto it was clearly stolen but i just wanted to see how i would like biking to work. I like it but the bike was a total POS. I just sold it for 80 and was happy to get rid of it. It is only 3 miles to work and i want to spend around 300$ on the bike. I know people always say to look on craigslist but i have no idea what i am looking for. come some one give me some bikes that i can look out for i live in LA so they plenty come up on craigslist/ebay. Thank you so much for your help

The brand or style of the bike doesn't matter as much as the condition of the bike. There are plenty of used bike buying guides online that should tell you what to look for.
If you want to go new, for $300 you could get something like a Giant Boulder new from a bike shop.
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...er/7305/44110/
I'm not as familiar with the offerings of other brands, but trek, specialized, scott etc. should all offer something similar. If you buy from a bike shop, find one that offers free tune ups at least for the first year.
Stay away from department store/walmart bikes.

I suggest that if you find a bike on Craigslist you like at a price you like, google the brand/model and do some research. You'll find reviews and what people like/dislike, etc.

If you buy clearly stolen bikes, you're about one short step from a bike thief yourself.

Shoo, scumbag.