Researching, still confused on where to start

[Italianangel23]

I'm looking for a little assistance here, and I understand requests like this get posted all the time, but I've done some reading and researching through the site and a few others and have definitely gained a ton of knowledge on how to go about cleaning up credit, but am still confused as to where to start.

Here's my situation:

I have a few accounts from when I was 18-19 that are in collections (am now 24) and need to know the best way to start this process.

1. Should I request removal of closed acct's, if they were never actually opened? Yes, that sounds confusing, but I have 2 cards (HSBC and Credit One) that were "opened" and sent to me, but when called to activate required $$$ so I "closed" the account. I don't even know how these are being reported....(opened 6/2006)

2. Can I DV a Cap One acct that shows on my CR twice with the same acct #, is closed and has $0 across the board? (none owed, past due, etc.) or should I just ask for deletion? (last reported 3 & 5/2003)

3. I recently paid a CA so I could re-register for classes, will they delete that??

4. I have a Verizon cell bill and a Sears MC that have been in collections for a long time, and are both roughly $1000, the debt is "valid", and I will have no problem paying it, but it seems like I should try to see if I can get it deleted before paying?? Should I DV, then PFD, if validated?? I keep hearing that it's bad to just pay off bad debt....

I'm sorry if this is a repeat, but I just want to make sure I'm starting this correctly. My score is a freakin' 482 right now and I sure as hell would like to jump on buying a house in FL while the gettin's good!!!

P.S. I'm currently living in Wisconsin, just moved here...and am moving back to FL in June, don't know if that affects SOL.

[admin]

The first thing you should do is dispute everything negative on your credit report. This is always the first step for everyone.

1. Should I request removal of closed acct's, if they were never actually opened? Yes, that sounds confusing, but I have 2 cards (HSBC and Credit One) that were "opened" and sent to me, but when called to activate required $$$ so I "closed" the account. I don't even know how these are being reported....(opened 6/2006)

Nope, keep them. They are positive. You have other fish to fry.

2. Can I DV a Cap One acct that shows on my CR twice with the same acct #, is closed and has $0 across the board? (none owed, past due, etc.) or should I just ask for deletion? (last reported 3 & 5/2003)

DV'ing is only for collectors. Is this in collections?

3. I recently paid a CA so I could re-register for classes, will they delete that??

Nope, it will say a "paid collection" which is bad. I'd see if you can still use DV or the Dispute with the OC's to get this off.

4. I have a Verizon cell bill and a Sears MC that have been in collections for a long time, and are both roughly $1000, the debt is "valid", and I will have no problem paying it, but it seems like I should try to see if I can get it deleted before paying?? Should I DV, then PFD, if validated??

Do a pay for delete. Search for the method on how to do it. It's pretty easy.

Once, again...The first thing you should do is dispute everything negative on your credit report. This is always the first step for everyone.