I would suggest Comenity and GE Cards to you. For best reporting, according to the info PDF at myFICO, you need 3-4 lines reporting for best results.
The concept behind this is that it takes more skill to manage more than 2 accounts. Basically you get rewarded for being able to budget your money better.
Another aspect to consider is the AAOA (average age of accounts) and this means that the longer it is, the better you have proven the relationship. Starting now it means that the sooner you have accounts, the better they can build and age. This is important later for the better cards and companies at the best rates. AAOA is important for a higher score. Basically now you need to get some cards and not worry about the APR if you always PIF. Don't plan on closing any account unless you must! (I have and I both regret and feel good about it.) For this reason you should only apply for cards that you will use often and have no fee.
Comenity and GE can be easier to get and both are fairly good about CLIs. I got a Walmart card at one point because of this. It comes with a FICO score which updates every month, so this can be a good thing! I think it started out with a $500 CL and is now at $2500 and I can probably get it up to much more if I try. A gas card can be good because in many situations it will later become a Visa or MC and if you PIF each month and don't go inside the store to buy junk then you can probably get it built up fast. Since it is something you use all the time and if you pay it off weekly then you can maintain your budget and give them good reason to increase the limit.
You should make a list of three places you shop at a lot and 5 banks you want a major card from, try to be realistic and a little optimistic. You should apply for the store cards first. Better chance of approval. The app spree and try first for the bank cards you think you can get. Then the harder ones. When you are done rest, relax and be happy. Remember some products at some companies have harder restrictions for different cards. Barclays and CapOne are known for this. You might be able to find a good card from Barclays based on your credit profile.
Make a six month plan, a one year plan, and a two year plan. Try and stick to it. I was a little hasty in my plan, but I got lucky and I was also strategic. I did apply for some cards that I would probably have been better off if I had applied later. Now I do know a bit about the error of my ways and the luck I had! I also knew what to do to recon apps which weren't successful. Build it up and do the right thing.
Good Luck. Remember take it in steps. It took me a total of 7 years to get what I have now. Others have had a much easier time because of clean reports, but I still pretty darn good! After leaving my secured card as the only card reporting for about 3 years I got Capone. I then got Household and Marathon and Comenity Cards. I then got Barclays, Walmart, and a few others. Then I got Compass, Discover, and Chase. Then I got Amex, PNC, and CapOne Signature card. A little wave here in the pond, a little wave there, and while I am not at the best cards with the best rates, I know that will come.
It is by will alone I set my mind in motion.....
Always follow these rules: Only take a HP for a new account. Always use the best rewards card for that reward category. Don't close a card unless you know you really should. Never use more than 35% of a credit limit. Recon as much and as best you can. Use the introductory period to the best advantage. Get the signup bonus. Whenever possible PIF or balance transfer so you pay less in interest. Never give an excellent rating when it is actually the norm. Always look for a discount as more is always better.
Always accept candy from strangers because they have the best candy or from people you know have good candy.
