TBR:
My recommendations:
1.) If you have cash on hand, write PFD letters for all unpaid collections and offer to pay 50% (or less)of the balance. The CA may say no we cannot legally remove the account from your CRs (not true of course), no we don't delete, demand you pay more or PIF or if your lucky, they agree to your initial offer. If they agree to delete but demand the balance be PIF, take it if you can afford to. The goal here is deletion as far as your FICO scores are concerned. A paid collection reporting does nothing to help your scores. Be friendly but persistent. If it does not work the first time wait awhile and try again. Make sure if the CA agrees to PFD it's on their letterhead and in clear English (American is alright too). If you are not sure paste their letter in the forum and wait for some feedback from other members. Here's a link for PFD letters.
2.) Try writing GW letters on all late payments (FYI, this can also be used for paid collections, judgments). Same thing here, be friendly and persistent. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. Here a link for GW letters. I suggest you personalize them.
3.) Forget credit repair services, DIY and save money! I wouldn't apply for anything until you get some good results. I'm not one to recommend sub-prime CCs with lots of fees, high interest rates and bad customer service.
