<prompt> Human: Follow up to this: We have been looking for a rental house ever since and keep getting denied because of our poor credit. Nobody wants to take a chance on us even with a double deposit or a cosigner. I went back to my credit report, submitted disputes for verification of everything and some things fell off, sending my score up. Made it above 500. Not good by any means, but better. We are still trying to find a place to live and are having difficulty even with stellar rental references, a deposit in hand and a cosigner. I really dont know what to do at this point. I feel like I am stuck under someone elses roof. Part of me wants to pay off all my debt and take the hit on my credit report. The other part of me says no, that will only make it worse. What do I do? I feel like I am about to fall off a cliff. Edit 1:Here is a breakdown of my debt that has been charged off or sold: Credit card 1: 1769 - called in this evening and was offered settlement for 50 if paid before 1223 885 Credit card 2: 1523 - called in this evening and was offered settlement for 50 on 11317 761.52 Credit card 3: 563 - They called me tonight as per usual and instead of sending it to voicemail, I answered it. Settlement for 406.15 with 100 to start tomorrow. The rest will be taken care of by 1202017. Credit card 4: 2013 Credit card 5: 867 Credit card 6: 541 Collections from cable company 5 years ago for unreturned equipment even though we got a return receipt at time of return: 134 I have spent more time disputing this and fighting with the damn cable company over this than its worth. I refuse to pay this on principle. Ever. Edit 2:Running recap:Original debt not counting things that are current: 7282Current debt: 5495.67 including credit cards 4,5 and 6 full amount. I see some solid progress and have a plan set up I should be able to afford. Edit 3: If its on the list above, its been charged off by the original lender so keeping the account open isnt an option. Its going to look shitty either way, but maybe by paying it will be less shitty. Assistant: Did your wife ever get a job? Even at 10hr and 30 hours a week shed be bringing home another 1,000month, would help pay down debts a LOT faster. Part of me wants to pay off all my debt and take the hit on my credit report. The other part of me says no, that will only make it worse. What on earth does this mean? Are you really saying you dont want to pay your debts off because it will make it worse? When talking with any potential landlords, have you offered higher security deposits, paying 3-6 months up front, etc?Human: What I mean is a lot of my debt has been sold to agencies from the original lender. I dont know how to deal with that. Ive read a lot that its not a good idea to pay the agencies since I dont owe them the money. What I owe is to the original creditor and it will make it look more derogatory if I pay the agency that bought it. Is that not accurate? Im open to suggestions. I am aware of pay for deletion, but dont know if it actually works. We have asked about double deposits,cosigners and the lot. Nobody is open to it. Assistant: No, that is wildly inaccurate. The collection agency now legally owns your debt. Unless the debt is somehow an error, PAY IT! It will only help you in the long run.No one should have to take a chance on you that youre going to pay your bills. Once you show a history of paying what you owe, these problems will go away.Human: So, where do I start? Id be happy to share more specifics and a generic copy of my credit report without identifying information listed on it if youre willing to put me in the right direction.  <response>: 1 Primary objective is no additional debt going to collections! Make a list of your outstanding debts and make sure you keep them current.2 Secondary objective is paying off accounts already in collections. Contact each collection agency and first request a validation of the debt. They have to provide this.3 Once your debt is validated, attempt to negotiate with the collection agency. They may allow you to pay less than what you owe. Your problem here is that you actually have a decent income and can afford to pay them. You may not convince them to accept less.4 PAY your debt on whatever terms you and the agency have agreed to. 