[RWGinger]

“They used to be easier to obtain....not so much anymore. Guidelines are tighter for both the borrower and the property. In addition, I believe that there may be a certain minimum credit score now required.”

Ah but as it points out at the HUB site with a USDA loan you don’t need a credit score.

[Rational Thought]

You are correct. From the USDA site... Have a credit history that indicates a reasonable willingness to meet obligations as they become due;

http://www.usdaloanapproval.com/usda_loan_guidelines_index.html

I'm pretty sure that the individual banks who deal with USDA rural housing loans can still place their own guidelines on.