A bad credit score is not the end of the world. You may not get a loan easily but it is not impossible to get a loan. The terms of the loan may not be favorable. When you are applying for a loan with a bad credit, try to explain to the lender the circumstances that led to the bad credit score. Also, you can approach credit unions, which are more understanding than regular lenders.
Credit reports indicate the credit score and free credit score is available to every consumer from all the leading credit reporting agencies on annual basis at least once. However for additional reports, they have to pay the fees prescribed.
Another thing that you can do is to use a collateral, when applying for a loan. When you are putting up a collateral, the lenders look at your application favorably and you have a better chance of getting the loan.
Simple form of debt consolidation is transferring the debtor from a number of unsecured loans to one unsecured loan. However most of the times the debtor has to provide collateral in form of house or other immovable properties as mortgage.
Try to borrow against your home equity. You can also try for loans from your family or friends or ask them to be a co-signee. If the co-signee has a good credit score, your chances of getting the loan will significantly improve.