@niceassets wrote:OK great, I'll continue to pay down the Self account, but it sounds like I want to make sure I do NOT have it PIF right?
If I do, then I'll lose the installment loan and my score will drop again. Same problem I started this thread about. lol
Yes but if you lose some points in FICO 8 so what? Your mortage scores do not react similarly. They are either not affected, or affected only slightly, by the installment loan utilization percentage.
As to your view that it's irrational, I happen to agree with you that it's ludicrous to penalize someone for paying off loans. But some of the FICO algorithms prefer mostly paid off loans to totally paid off loans. It is what it is.
@niceassets wrote:So if I'm understanding you, it's best to keep the Self Lender loan open for as long as possible basically, correct?
Yes, oddly enough. For purposes of the FICO 8 scores, it's best to have your aggregate installment loan utilization percentage in the 1% to 9% range (I call it the sweet spot).
@niceassets wrote:OK good to know! So I shouldn't be too worried about the FICO 8 score, if my mortgage score(s) are my primary concern?
If your mortgage scores are your primary concern, your FICO 8 score is irrelevant.
But I should point out that on occasion there is some slight reaction in the mortgage scores to the installment loan utilization percentage. I have detected slight movement in my TU mortgage score, but not in the other two. Meanwhile @Revelate has detected slight movement in his EX mortgage score, but not in TU or EQ. And when I say slight, I mean that an 11 point move in my FICO 8's might translate to a 2 or 3 point move in my TU mortgage score.
Excellent insight, TYVM! 
I know this is a slightly different topic, but I would appreciate your input on which card to add. I currently don't have any active CC and need to apply for something I will *likely* get approved for. EX 588, TU, 660, EQ 662.
Currently considering the Mission Lane Visa, but that's simply because CreditKarma is recommending it and from the research I've done, it looks solid.
@niceassets wrote:Excellent insight, TYVM!
I know this is a slightly different topic, but I would appreciate your input on which card to add. I currently don't have any active CC and need to apply for something I will *likely* get approved for. EX 588, TU, 660, EQ 662.
Currently considering the Mission Lane Visa, but that's simply because CreditKarma is recommending it and from the research I've done, it looks solid.
I would disregard Credit Karma's recommendations.
Earlier in this thread you said you had one card.
@niceassets wrote:Yes, but it's just the Self Lender card. I think it's more like a debit card or department store card than an actual CC.
It isn't reporting as a regular card would, or at least doesn't appear to be. Although, I have barely used it (less than $12) so maybe that's why?
Still, I think I need an actual VISA/MC card in my credit file to help my score. Especially if I keep it at the 9-12% range
Your safest bet would be to get a secured card.
Your second safest bet would probably be Discover or Capital One.
If you opt for a secured card, use Discover or a credit union, not Capital One.