<p>I know of at least two people who have done what you want to do. Both came and attended community college, established residency during their time at CC, and then transferred to UCs. Each UC has some "feeder" community colleges--schools from which it typically accepts large numbers of transfers. You might talk to the schools, find their feeder CCs, gain residency while getting your associates, and then transfer as in-state.</p>
<p>I have no idea how the people I'm talking about demonstrated financial independence, because neither of them should have been able to, but regardless, this is what they did. I think it took longer than 2 years for both.</p>
<p>Regardless, a lot of trouble to go to. Good luck, whatever you choose.</p>