Credit issue that I don't know what to do about it

[James Nix]

Hey Everyone,

I'm currently in the process of looking for my first house hack on a duplex or a triplex. I'm planning on getting a FHA loan and are saving up for the down payment and reserves right now. But the thing is I have a 6yr old eviction on my credit report for $4700 which I don't know what to do about it going forward. I been doing alot of research on credit and cant seem to find the right solution. So my questions is

1. Should I call and try to negotiate the debt to pay a lump sum for it? ( also what would be a reasonable amount to start off with the negotiating to offer on that amount of debt?)

2. Should I go with a credit repair person to take care of it being as tho they are more eqipped with the knowledge to negotiate better? (This is the only thing that I actually have on my credit that's in collections)

3. Or should I go with just getting 2 or 3 secure cards  to start building my credit and ignore taking care of the debt (credit score-610)? (Because I have read that if I call to negotiate a old debt then it can become current and affect my credit in a negative being as tho I think its not affecting me now since its 5 yrs old)

I do want it off but Honestly I just don't know how to go about it. Any help would be greatly appreciated and thank you in advance for any suggestions      

[Thomas S.]

If you are interested in being a landlord you may want to put some serious thought into paying off your entire debt.

You owe $4700 , you pay $4700. That would be the responsible thing to do.