Credit Score Management

What is the minimum acceptable credit score when applying for a job where the employer checks your credit?

I am familiar with the subprime lending that has taken place and how it has affected the economy and the lending industry in general and I don’t want to waste my time applying for a mortgage until my credit score is where it should be.

I am working on rebuilding my credit, and believe I can reach 600 in the next couple of months. I’m looking at possibly buying a nice starter home, and there are many in my area in the $50,000-$60,000 price range that I could easily afford. I’d be able to get the 20% down that is usually desired. I’m gainfully employed, making about 50k/year.
So what is the minimum score I should work for before even thinking about talking to a Real Estate Agent?

I need to know what is the bare minimum credit score for an RD loan. My wife has a very high credit score but I am sitting at 595 medium score.

I keep trying to get one of those alienware destop computers. They have an alienware credit card of 5′000. I cant seem to get my score high enough to qualify. What would be the average score required for cards like those?