The only thing a landlord (apartment complex or individual) looks at on the credit is if there are delinquencies on payments on previous rentals. They don't care if you have unpaid medical bills, unpaid credit cards or anything else. They just want to see how many times you were late in paying.

Yes an individual will be able to work with you better for a larger deposit. I have just helped a couple that had issues in credit as well and the only landlord willing to accept them had asked for 2 months deposit and it would become non-refundable IF they were late one time. They had no choice but it helps them stay on track.

Also, if you pay for a credit report to an apt complex or any other, they are required by law give you a copy of that report if you ask for it. If you already know what the issue is in your credit that is stopping you, you may want to submit your justification when you apply. Don't forget that every time, your credit is pulled, your credit score is affected by going down a couple of points too.