Finding targets: EPMS has specific instructions about how many times to call, etc. before you can ask for the target by name and/or leave a message. Most of the calls are recorded, so trying to short cut the process is a bad idea. I'm not going to put the time into one of their shops and risk having it tossed for something simple.... Yes, targets can be elusive... If the shop has a big bonus, the target has very likely been difficult for one (or more) previous shoppers. I tend to scoop those up. HOwever, I do not "reserve" time every day until I've reached the target. I want to make money and will be doing other shops.
I'll make my first attempt at a target as soon as possible and I'll have my spreadsheet open with my schedule. If I reach the target, I'll schedule the visit in at my first opening. If I don't I'll try again at my next chance. If I reach the target and don't have time to visit that day because I've scheduled myself full, I'll set an appointment to fit my schedule. I've had as many as eight or nine target shops going at once (through different MSC's) and I simply write them into my schedule as I reach them. I'll also be eyeballing a few self-assign shops that I can quickly drop into my schedule should none of my targets be available....
Hard work builds character and homework is good for your soul.