If you do not have a good credit score there are other ways to qualify for a loan. 

It's amazing to see what we are capable of in tough times.This is incredible insight.

As an example, they had:- Solid work & rental history (10 years in their current rental)- More than sufficient income (I require 3x rent but they had about 7x)- No prior evictions (this is a hard rule I will never waiver on)- Positive overall credit picture (not a single late payment on any of their accounts when I ran their credit), plus credit scores for both spouses in the mid/upper 700sSo, although I can't see into the future, it just isn't likely to me that applicants like this are going to get into my property and suddenly start paying bills late (or not at all) for the first time in their lives and tank their credit or risk an eviction. 

Length of credit history is one of the larger contributing factors to your score, so the sooner you start establishing this, the better.

My credit score is poor.

Thank you Chris Campeau for this incredibly detailed and insightful post. 

I would hate to be trying to apply for a new loan and there be a glitch on my credit score slowing everything down. 

Sad I have come across a share of home owners who are incredibly cocky and/or patronizing in their treatment of tenants but thankfully they've been in the minority by and large.

Find a lender/investor that has already tightened their LTV's and credit score requirements and you should be good for a few more months and they will adjust.

Without good credit, everything will be that much harder for you.Check out credit karma (free) if you want to see all the components that collectively weigh into your credit score.