Well, I can officially report that my rebuild is complete after 15 long years. Last week I shared by scores that reached 800 on all 3 CRAs. After reaching 800+ (goal 1 of 2), I applied and approved for Chase SR ($19,600/22.74%) (goal 2 of 2). This is my Unicorn card. I burned Chase 15 years ago, ironically for $19,623, the same SL they approved me for today. Today my total CL is 2X my yearly salary, which is fine for me.
My backstory is in 2007 I lost my high-paying automotive engineering job due to the poor economy. I was forced to take lesser and lesser paying jobs to keep the lights on. I did not have much of a emergency stash (lesson learned). Then the financial stress caused a divorce. Then add some short-term but high-stress medical issues. I tried to keep the juggling in-play but eventially this tri-fecta forced me to file BK7 in JAN 2011.
I started by following exactly the steps in the "BK7 to 700" thread. My CRAs were a mess but I was persistant and had them cleaned up by 2014 (3 years is way to long to fix their errors). Even today, EQ is still incorrect but in my favor which adds 20 points to my score compared to the other two. Then I was very aware of the interest rate being charged by CC and P/Ls. I took advantage of Navy Fed and Pen Fed's BT promotions every year.
This community helped me learn 1) that it is always darkest before the dawn 2) financial responsibility and 3) regardless of your situation, always strive for self improvement (I studied and received another certification during that time-frame).
Today: My wife and I reconciled. She jokingly says she felt sorry for me but I think she let me back home because of my cooking skills. It certainly was not for my "good looks". My latest medical exam shows I am fit as a fiddle. I am ready to retire early at year's end; although the wife is nervous due to the recent economic disasters we face today. Since I am work from home, I continue to increse my wealth by day-trading options. We will have the house paid for at the end of the year (debt free). I have a $20,000 emergency fund some of which are invested in precious metals so I do not lose value due to inflation.
My rebuild recommendations:
1) BK7 is a "GOOD" tool, so use it if you need it. Do not get so stressed out that it affects your physical and mental health.
2) Knowledge is power. I am so much better off now than before my journey.
3) Do not be afraid to ask for help on this forum or others.
4) Live within your means. I stopped trading in my car every 2 years. I stopped going to the up-scale restaurants.
5) Stop paying CC interest. It kills you over the long term. Use BTs and get the debt paid off.
6) Get an emergency fund (6 months expenses is the rule). Take on a small second job if you must.
7) Invest the left over money into an S&P 500 index fund every month. It will dollar cost average. In 10-15 years, you will be amazed at your progress, just like I am at my journey.
FICO 08 JUL23: TU 850; EQ 846; EX 843. Clean since BK7 D/C 6/2011.
12/22 : 
Goal Score: EX 700|TU 700|EQ700
