Ben Franklin used similar advice to turn an enemy into a friend (although his was asking to borrow a book).There are some caveats here, you cannot be wasting time thus you need to demonstrate that you are taking action. 

Make friends with some bank presidents, seriously.

If they know you, have spoken to you many times, and you have always been friendly with them, just explain your points, that there is no legal reason to deny your plans, and ask them what you can do to help get it approved.

Then came Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People.

The LLC is a partnership between myself and another friend who's also an investor.

I hope to continue to network and make new friends in the real estate community.

"Before borrowing money from a friend, decide which you need most".

@Greg ReeseMost small investors will benefit by having the LLC created in the state where the property is located at.Creating an LLC in a state like Nevada, Delaware, Wyoming may be better for the big players if items such as charging orders, business friendly case law, anonymity are important to you.However, be mindful that setting up LLC's in those states will add to your costs as you may have increased annual fees for annual LLC fees + registered agent fees.

Very nice to meet you, my friend!

@Paige Corsello...You could call your bank contacts and find out if they are broker friendly.