So it's been over a year since I updated this thread. A lot has happened in 2020. I got an inheritance that enabled me to wipe out all my debt. My income is still low, and my 90-day-late is now two years old. I was approved for several cards in 2020 (all good cards!) and got many CLIs on existing cards.
The thing I learned from this experience is to follow the advice on these forums, and also that TIME IS YOUR FRIEND. I had trouble sometimes not apping. I wanted more cards now, now, now! But even though I sometimes was fast and loose with inquiries, it never was too crazy. It could have been a LOT worse had it not been for the lessons I learned from MyFICO. I found that paying on time and keeping my nose clean pays off. AMEX has given me two cards now even though my income is low and my score is meh. (Fico 8 scores are Experian 690, Equifax 700, Transunion 697.) Even with a dirty profile, you can get good cards—just give it time.
