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I've heard conflicting reports as far as paid vs unpaid collections. If you have the money to pay them off, though, a PFD is the best route to try.
How long until they are removed from your reports by age?
All the while, getting some credit and showing you can handle it well. The combination of those two things will bring that score right up in just a few months.
I have recently just started using myfico.com. I know there is a option on there for 29.95 a month or you can pay for a full year. I just started using it within the last month. There could be better services out there but it's been working for me so far.
annualcreditreport.com will allow you a free report from all three bureaus once a year. Can't beat that!
As for keeping on top of things, I like wallethub for TU (daily updates and full report), CK for EQ (weekly updates and full reports), and credit.com for EX (slightly less info but compare it to what you find on annualcreditreport. The scores aren't FICO but while you're rebuilding they are good indicators that you're doing something right.