You may be better off renting somewhere for year. While renting, work on your credit score and find out the area you'd like to purchase. Once you have a pre-approval near the end of the year, you could start looking then. If you decide you love the home you are currently renting and would like to purchase it, then you could approach the owner at that time to see if he/she is willing to sell. You may also want to consider speaking to more than one lender. I do work with lenders that helps those with poor credit, please email me if you'd like this contact information.
Cathy Starkweather
Realtor & Investment Home Specialist
La Rosa Realty, LLC - Celebration, FL
cathy@jerrybarker.com / 01.407.274.8476