First of all, I'm not sure why you're so anxious to come to California where we have one of the highest employment rates in America, just behind Detroit. Also, there are other places to live besides Hollywood which has a very high percentage of people who are trying to "make it in the business," i.e.., the entertainment industry, and are sometimes perceived as a little flakey financially. Nevertheless, I live in an apartment complex in Los Angeles, on the Pasadena/South Pasadena border (7 miles from downtown L.A. via car, bus or commuter lightrail) that rents to many out-of-towners, obviously via the Internet. I see license plates from all over the U.S. So, I don't really think the fact that you're from out-of-state has as much to do with the landlord's rather prickly attitude as your low credit score which will follow you no matter where you go unless you're going to rent from a relative. California is a bit notorious for the difficulty landlords sometimes have in evicting tenants (especially in rent-controlled apts.) and they try to anticipate not getting into that kind of situation.
By all means, try to get a co-signer; college students here often have parents who do that. One last thing: landlords have access to a proprietary database that shows evictions, late payments, etc. -- another potential strike against you even if you didn't have a low credit score. Good luck and keep trying.
Starting Score: TU: ?-- EQ: ?--EX 560 (8-08)