You can get a big boost by being added as an authorized user to someone's credit card, so long as that account is old and has a good history.

The author has a puzzling way of looking at it.I can see his view point but, the way I look at it, homes come in 3 basic fit and finishes, plus we have location, neighborhood upkeep, and neighbors to look it.Regarding Fit and Finish, we can look at Basic, middle and (high end, which can go very high).A basic new home in a cookie cutter neighborhood is not as good as a 1970's custom high end home in a better neighborhood (Sales price will tell you that).it an apples to oranges comparison.Just my 2 cents. 

Work on increasing it has best as you can, increase your credit limits, become an authorized user on someone's card, live below your means, keep your outstanding balances low, pay twice a month.

You can't lien a property just because you advanced payment...you nee the owner to authorize that payment and then your lien is your security in the property.

Adding my support for the advice already given.Make sure the company asking for the reference has proper authorization to ask for a reference.how does one get proper authorization to ask for a reference?

The policy here in MO, is to get a letter with the tenants signature of approval (that they agree and want to stay with the proposed rent increase) that needs to be submitted to the housing authority, 60 days prior to the lease expiring.

However, if you choose to use something different, well now the governing authority looks closer to see why you are above the State contract and what you might be trying to get away with as a non licensed person.

I HAD NOT THOUGHT OF THISHave you talked about tax abatments yet with the governing authority.

Also do not forget there is additional paperwork, getting setup as a vendor, different timelines and notices that have to sometimes be used when working with the housing authority.

At this point I am pretty sure that in my case all five of those people are authors.