First potential deal questions

[BJ Gadway]

So for my first potential I am thinking about refinancing my primary residence just NW Atlanta so that we can have the down payment on a slightly bigger home as well as pay some debt off and establish an emergency fund. We want to take the remainder and fix some minor problems with the residence and turn it into a rental.

Is there anything I need to do prior going to the bank?

Is there anything I absolutely don't want to do?

Can I be refused REFI because of credit score even if I am current on my payments and have enough equity?