Mortgage options exist for buyers with less-than-perfect credit, non-W2 income, or limited down payments. FHA, USDA, and VA loans offer flexible credit and down payment requirements, with FHA loans allowing scores as low as 500 with higher down payments. Some lenders provide down payments as low as 1%, grants, or zero-down options. Improving credit, lowering debt-to-income ratio, and increasing down payment can ease approval. Various lenders specialize in low credit scores, non-QM loans, and government-backed mortgages.