New here...next card app strategy?

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone. I'm new here and love all the info.

Some background: I lived in Europe for 10 years until returning in 2015. During that time I didn't use or keep any credit up to date. The only thing I had was an AU on my mom's Discover card, which was closed in 2012.
Since 2015 I have been building my credit back, then 2016 I moved to Romania...but this time I'm using my credit and have a family member mailing me any new cards. I will be returning to the U.S. in May 2019 with the intention of building a new house, so im trying to get the most available credit possible.

I own a house there (no mortgage) and I'm hoping to use my cards to build the new house. Then when it's complete in 4 to 6 months I will sell my existing house. The existing house is valued around double what the new one will cost to build, so I'm not concerned about being able to pay the cards off. I also have low 6-figure income. I'm totally averse to the whole mortgage process! Plus it would seem like a hassle to do a mortgage/construction loan/heloc for just a 6 month period. Yes I will be paying interest on some of the cards, or balance tranfer fees if it makes sense to move debt around during that period, but I don't think it will be substantially more than the loan fees/hassle would be.

I've worked in construction industry and estimate the new house will come in under $70k. So I want to mitigate as much negative affect to my credit as possible. I would like to get my total credit to around $150k so that my utilization stays under 50%.

So here are my questions...
Which would be the next cards I should apply for?
What's the best way to stagger the apps?
Any tips on app timing related to Lowe's, Home Depot, and Menard's Big card by CapOne?

In 2 months I'll be down to 3/24 on new accts. Should I use the opportunity to apply for Chase (being under 5/24)? Would anyone suggest double dipping Chase to save a second inquiry? (If so, which cards?)

Acct. Opening dates/Issuer/Credit Limit 
  Zero balance accept 6k CapOne(will be paid by yr end)
Jun. 26, 2015   Capital One  QS                            $7,250
Feb. 14, 2016   Citi  Double Cash                          $6,900
Apr. 27, 2016   Capital One Plat.($6000 bal.0%) $8,500
Jun. 04, 2016   Chase Amazon                           $13,500
Jun. 14, 2016   SynchB Walmart            .              $1,500
Dec. 22, 2016   Bank of America TravRewVisa $10,000
Jun. 27, 2017   Wells Fargo  CashWise              $10,000
July 03, 2017   AmEx  Everyday                          $15,000

In June when I make my next app my AAoA will be 2yr 1mth.
No baddies, no lates, utilization under 9%
TU inquiries-
       BofA                       Nov 9, 2017
       Chase                  May 23, 2017
       Chase                   Apr 03, 2017
EQ inquiries-
       Discover Bank       Jul 01, 2017
       
Scores-
755 FICO Score 8 EX from AmEx
750 FICO Score 8 TU from BofA
772 FICO Score 8 EQ from Citi
712 VantageScore 3.0 TU from Chase
712 TU CreditKarma
750 EQ CreditKarma
707 FICO Bankcard Score 2 from Wells Fargo

Why is there such a large variation between scores?
And is the FICO Score 8 normally the one used for credit card apps?

One final question: My cards always say "Lack of Installment Loans" is a factor holding down my scores. Because I'm in Romania would it be possible to do an online personal loan? And if so, would it significantly improve my scores? (Sorry, that was 2 questions)

[Anonymous]

I still think the Heloc is the better bet even with the closing costs, the interest rates are very very low compared to cc. 

That being said, you can probably cover that gap in the CC limits you want easy enough. 

I am assuming you are asking eveyone for a Credit Limit increase every 6 months?

Card wise I would suggest. 

1. CSR - Typically high limits ($10k min - $25K+)
2. Chase ink business preferred  - Typically high limits($20K)
3. Cap1 Venture  (or venture 1) - Since ou already have a cap1QS you might get the $20k - $30 theyve been giving out
4. US Bank Cash+ - Many have been able to recon the initial limit to 5 figures. ($15K)

The 4 above (if approved) would get you where you want.

Different banks check different scores, Could be FICO8, FICO9 or even one of the older ones (US BANK checked FICO4 Mortgage for me last month). 

Hit the chase in 2 months, then app for 2-4 more in 6 months depending on where you are in terms of total limit. 

This could work. 

[Anonymous]

Thanks! 

Yes, I have been asking for limit increases and have received them regularly. Does it matter that I'm requesting from the card's app or website rather than calling them directly?

I haven't asked Wells Fargo though, mostly because I've never used the card, does it matter?

But I am trying to use each card a month or two before requesting the increase.

I did have the idea of trying for a business card, referring to your recommendation to try for a Chase Ink Business Preferred. I didn't think my history would be long enough though. Part of my income is from a rental property, so I did recently get an EIN for possibly applying for business cards.

[Anonymous]

I dont think it matters that you are requesting online versus calling in. 

I do think it helps to use the card before you request a cli. Thats the word on the street. 

But seriously, I still think the Heloc is a much better bet. The interest rate is lower and its much less effort than this credit card angle.