you can rent and it can help. pay by check and keep records. i am a loan officer and lenders do look at rental history. the proof is the check. aslo most landlords keep books as well. start by getting a small loan from your local bank, or go get a credit card somewhere easy like maybe a sears card, gas card etc. only charge small amounts, something you could pay off at one time but keep a balance on it. pay on it for 3mos. and it starts reporting as an open trade line. do not exceed 50% of the approved amount (ex $1000 limit) do not charge over $500. i would keep it lower than that 50% myself. that greatly hits your credit score. some lenders want to see three open trade lines for 6mos to 1yr or a 2yr rental history. some are less strict than others. depending on where you buy you could get a gov't loan that is designed for 1st time homebuyers. this loan would not apply in atlanta, athens, gnett, parts of hall county as well. do not miss a payment and don't charge a bunch of stuff my friend. hope this helps.