Just getting started, How do I get banks to like me?

[Rory Johnathan]

Having spent most of my adult life living as an expat, I never really got around to developing a credit rating.  I currently have around 25k for a down payment and am looking at houses for around 250-300k.  There are plenty in my area with basement suites that would cover nearly 100% of the mortgage payments.

What are some steps I can take to make myself more appealing to the banks? I took out a secured credit card for around 3000 dollars, Would it be a good idea to get another secured card?  

I feel like i'm currently spinning my wheels, when the sooner I can get in to a house, the sooner I can start building equity for more investments.

(I'm in Canada if that makes a difference)