<prompt> Human: I need some perspective. I am 24, hubby is 25. We have 3 kids requiring at least a 3BR apartment. We also have a little under 27,000 in debt...the majority of which are subsidized student loans, but there are some credit cards. We are a single income family of EXACTLY 50,000yr, but until 8 months ago we had been living in 32,000yr...hence the credit card usage.Our lease is up on our 2BR apartment in November youngest child is 3months old, and obviously we would love to go from here to owning a home. Unfortunately, due to medical emergencies and a totaled car we have no savings left and have missed multiple payments on various things.Our credit scores are approximately 500. I dont feel like we have many housing options available to us. We finally are starting to gain traction on paying down debt and building a savings, but I know that building up to a good score will take time.I am looking into a rent to own program with a house. Basically we would pick a house, lease it for three years and then be given the option to purchase.I want to know if wed be selling our souls in a deal like this.On one hand, the rental rate is very similar to what a 3BR apartment goes for, and it would give us 3 years to build credit and save for a down payment. Can someone give some perspective on programs like this?We are just trying to provide our kids with the best life that we can...our parents are no help when it comes to financial advice. I would really appreciate it.  <response>: Be very aware of rent to own houses. Lots of individuals have figured out it is a great way to charge extra rent, and all they have to do, is find any clause of the contract that you violated at any point before owner transfer, and you are left with nothing, and they keep all the extra rent. 