I am going to paint my living room that has a 17 foot high ceiling. I
must be able to reach the top because I need to fix popped nails, so
stretching is not really an option.

Would I be better off to buy a very tall ladder or rent scaffolding?
I have to work alone, so I need what is easiest to use and is the
safest.

Thanks for any helpful information you can give me.