I don't tend to use lines or routines and don't generally use a wingman so it's just me out there. I generally just say hello and stick out my hand and roll with it. It usually lands me right into a conversation and i either try close or learn from it. Recently I have been adding in "your cute" after some small talk. I'm wondering if this is too vague though. Kinda soft. I think women might even be picking up on this.

How can I be more direct without coming off as a creeper.

Which sounds best to you?
"Your beautiful"
"Your gorgeous"
"Your foxy"
"Your stunning"
"Your pretty"

I kinda like foxy. It's sexy but kinda fun too right?

Also running into a lot of HB's with BF's. I don't mind but it's a bit of a pain striking up a convo and talking for 5-10 minutes before finding out they have a BF. Not much point stayin in the set for me then because I'm not the type to mess with relationships.

How can i find out if they are single earlier? Just ask?

Just because a chick says shes single doesn't mean she actually is.

Also, I wouldn't directly come out and tell them they're cute/beautiful/foxy/whatever. You want to come from a frame where they want you, not the other way around. Tell them to stop checking you out, or stop undressing you with their eyes.

Now that's not to say that you shouldn't EVER tell them that they're cute, but you should do it as a reward for something that they've done that you like. Like for instance if they say some really clever comment that just blows you away. Otherwise, you're just telling them they're cute but they think in their mind (why? you loser, I haven't even done anything cute!)