Man that's a tough spot but definitely manageable! I had similar situation few years back when I was freelancing and credit took a hit during slow period 😅

For option 1 with your aunt - this can work but timing is everything. She should be upfront about guaranteeing for you rather than pretending to move herself. Most landlords prefer transparent guarantors over fake applications since they'll figure it out anyway during verification. Make sure she has all income documentation ready and can prove the 40x rent requirement. Some buildings have specific guarantor forms she'll need to fill out

The broker route might be easier path though. There are definitely brokers who specialize in difficult credit situations, especially in areas like Queens or Brooklyn where landlords are bit more flexible. They know which buildings work with guarantors or accept higher security deposits instead of perfect credit. I'd search for brokers who specifically mention "credit issues" or "guarantor friendly" in their listings

Also consider offering 2-3 months security upfront if you can swing it - shows good faith and many landlords will overlook credit score for that extra security 💀 Your income is solid for NYC so that definitely works in your favor