I wouldn't try it myself, all you'll end up doing is introducing moisture into the system, which is a bad thing. The high side of the compressor is going to be close to 200 psi, so chances are your air compressor wouldn't get it up to pressure anyway.

Get yourself one of these:
Interdynamics 436 - UV Leak Detection Service Kit | O'Reilly Auto Parts

along with a can of r134a (should be around 10 bucks), and you'll have all the testing material you need. Like mentioned, just be careful not to spill the stuff, as it will then make it harder to find the leak.

And yeah, subjective is right - we now have a 3 story building with the new medical complex, and they even allowed people to sell alcohol in town (first time since prohibition) a few years ago! I lived in the San Diego area for 10 years - huge culture shock moving to SE Ohio...

Good luck with finding the problem