Mortgage Advice Needed for Long ago poor credit

MrMrW1962

Hi I am looking to find a mortgage either buy to let or one possibly residential to purchase 2 properties to renovate and let . I have sufficient deposits for 25% possibly more .
The Problem i have is a have a good credit score 900 but have Defaults on Cards from 2003/4 from divorce days .
My Wife has perfect score of 999 and no problems.

We have been declined by first Nationwide and then Northern Rock who is my current lender of 4 yrs .

Have changed advisers and now looking at a RBS 2 yr fix at 6.79% This seems expensive However Their website shows better rates . This has been agreed in Principle , but so were the other 2 .
I seem to be really struggling here yet have never missed a mortgage payment in 25yrs .

Can anyone suggest a lender to try with less stringent rules or Recently placed a Mortgage with similar problems with a Lender any help would be gratefully received . Thanks .

gizmo111

When do your defaults drop off your file - must be soon if they are 03/04

MrMrW1962

Some expire august 2009 the remainder july 2010.

I know it would be simple to wait until then but i believe the Housing Market has hit bottom and if i wait til next year property prices will have increased .