Credit Cards for Credit Scores Less Than 600

Hi Bo,
I’m trying to purchase my first house. I have met with a lender. My middle credit score is 578. I went through a divorce and my credit has been this way since 2001. I have not been able to aquire any credit cards etc since then. I sent letters to all three credit bureaus as advised by the lending company. I was told not to pay  off any of the debt as it is over 7 years old. I was also advised to obtain two secure credit cards. With my credit score being 578 I haven’t applied for any credit cards. I was told by a friend who works at a bank that I wouldn’t be able to get credit cards until my score was up. I don’t know which way to turn. I’m so tired of renting as it is a waste of money. I have money in savings that I was going to use to pay off debt after I hear from the credit bureaus. Please advise me as I don’t want to make mistakes going forward.
 
Thanks

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Credit Cards for Credit Scores Less Than 600