Yes! A high credit score might get you in the door, but if you do not have strong credit or a depth of credit that shows credit worthiness, you will not qualify for the same rate and term that someone with a Bankable Credit Profile will. 

If I get added to my parents credit cards as an authorized user, does that help my Bankable Credit Profile? 

No. As an authorized user, the underwriter cannot tell if you or the credit card holder is the one making the payments on time and demonstrating credit worthiness.  So while it is helping to increase your score, it does nothing to help your Bankable Credit Profile, or approvability. 

I'm paying off my credit cards, should I close them once they are paid off?

If you have a good credit history, meaning that you were never late, or over your limit then you should leave the credit card open.  Only close the account if you had multiple late payments or poor credit history.  Good job on paying off your credit card!

I was just denied for an auto loan and the finance manager told me that I should wait 4-6 months before applying again because inquiries hurt my credit score, is this true?

Yes. If you were just denied and auto loan, chances are that you will get denied anywhere else you apply. (unless you go to a hard money lender) 

If you recently had a late car payment on your current auto loan, you should wait at least 12 months from the date of late car payment.

If you haven't been late, ask the finance manager for more details of why you were denied, and then  wait 6-12 months to apply again. During the time you are waiting to apply, fix the things that were on your credit report that got you denied.  So when you apply again you have a better chance of getting approved. 

When you Become Bankable, I work hard to help you change bad habits into good habits. You learn a new mindset. A new way of thinking about your credit and how you manage it, so that you should not get denied again.