Hi All-I'm new to the forum but wanted to start after reading some of the really motivating and educating info. My situation is a chapter 7 discharged 12/10. My perfect credit was destroyed by my choice to purchase an unsuccessful franchise with a terrible partner that did not bring a dime to the table. Lost everything. I feel like I'm 18 again but starting with horrible credit. I've owned 4 homes and now I have to rent. I need to buy a house. I'm 49 and feel I'll never be able to retire without becoming a homeowner again. I have not tried to get a mortgage and won't until I raise my score. I'm here to learn more. I'm hoping the FHA will put more pressure on lenders to relaze their overlays. I really don't know what my real scores are because I'm too cheap to pay for them. I did get a free true FICO from this site on Dec 5, 2011 (568). Recently, one month later, I tried Credit Karma (638) and Credit Sesame (601). I really don't know exactly where I'm starting I just know it's not good. I do know that I would love to work up to 740. Don't know if it's possible. Any advice? All of you seem really down to earth. Thanks and let's keep chatting...