I would like to get rid of the negative things on

What types of debts? If they are report accurately and the credit verifies them, there is no way to get rid of them.

I too don't think there's any way out apart from paying them off. You may negotiate with your creditors and try to set up a self-repayment plan that's feasible. On the other hand, you may get enrolled with a settlement program, whichever way you go you have to see through the end of such debts.

There are several ways to pursue CR removal of derogatory information.
First, review your CR and identify any information that you feel is inaccurately reported. Deal with those items by way of direct dispute of its accuracy.
Second, identify any accounts reporting delinquencies where the debt remains unpaid. You can offer a pay-for-deletion of derogatory items. However, be cautious in this approach if the debt is still within your state statute of limitations for legal action, as a PFD offer might awaken legal action on their part.
Third, for debt that is paid, send letters to the creditor or debt collector asking them for good-will deletion.
Fourth, make sure the dates of all reported delinquencies are correct. If steps 1-3 fail, the item will have a statutory CR deletion date due to old age. The periods for mandatory CR deletion run from certain dates, such as 7 years from the date of monthly delinquencies, and 7 years plus 180-days from date of first delinquency (DOFD) for any charge-off or collection reported. Make sure those dates are accurate.