I qualified through the lender who is the determining factor in purchasing real estate anyways. They should be able to tell you your score and what to do to improve. Helps to know someone in the business or get good referall. I am lucky enough to have a morgate/real estate combo and a good friend.
Cnnmoney has alot of great info on the subject as well.
For 3 free credit reports per year....really free.
www.annualcreditreport.com I believe they have FICO option for $9.