I agree that the market is very competitive in California - especially if you are searching via the MLS or making offers to distressed or vacant property homeowners. 

You can also check meetup.com or search Facebook for real estate investment groups, clubs, or meetings in your area.

Get a title search done. 

You can also find real estate investing groups through meetup.com, Facebook, or a Google search.

- Will they search for off-market properties for you?

Jay thanks for the tip, it helped in searching and learning about "lead generators" in the fine print in lending and what means.

This website is a great starting point to find out what areas are like https://www.areavibes.com/It gives you a total livability score and from there you can narrow down you search. 

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

 I am in search of a spreadsheet to determine the profitability of flipping a house before making an offer to an HML I am new to this process and would appreciate any advice.

Unsure about STR regulations in Charleston but I would advise you to search "arbitrage" on this forum and read up on the hundreds of pros and cons responses here before diving in to any market using the arbitrage model.