DIRECT STUDENT LOAN

Will i be denied a secret clearance?
I have less than $3000 in credit card debt and I have a Direct Loan(student loan) for $7000.
I have been late a few times on my credit cards, but all my balances are current and below the balance line.
I also had a collector call me for an $86 payment that was due to a doctor. I was two months over the age of 18 when I went to the doctors, the insurance was supposed to cover it but my parents never took care of it…so since I was over 18 the collector contacted me about it. I paid as soon as they called over the phone.
I’m just worried I will get denied for my clearance. I ship out to BCT at the end of may.
So will these factors deny me from obtaining my secret clearance?

I currently have 4 student loans out. One in a small loan I plan on taking care of myself. One is Sallie Mae. One is a Federal loan and one is a Direct Loan. I want to reconsolidate my loans and am wondering which company offers the lowest interest rate?

So Sallie Mae loans and Direct loans, I want to consolidate, lower my payment, etc. Once I do that, do they still have options for deferrment, such as lack of income, going back to school, whatever?

I have a family member that wants to pay off my federal direct and other student loans. He says its a bad idea to have it where he sends me the money then I pay the lender. He would rather pay them directly. Is this legal? If so, how does it work?
I can’t find any information at dl.ed.gov.