It's a semi-large bank and working with a local credit union seems more appealing (plus the added benefit of proving him completely wrong). 

So also over this time they probably have some great relationships with banks or other investors, and if built up a great track record of no defaults on loans.Or if they had defaults they would have been in the first five or ten deals before they got going.

If you haven't already, I would recommend finding a real estate agent that you trust, and also start talking to lenders (banks, mortgage brokers, credit unions, etc.)

2) What can I do in the meantime to increase my chances of the bank saying "yes" when the time comes (if different to a US resident)? 

The agent demand you show them your bank statement.

Thinking of getting a mortgage of around 100k with very little down (I took a class that will allow the bank to give me a loan with only 3% down payment) then investing most of my 15k into reno. 

The bank won't let us move it into an LLC without a full refinance.  

Hi everyoneI need a reference for a business bank account for my LLC.As a non-U.S. citizen (South African/Netherlands), I am the sole member of a GA LLC, which owns a property in Atlanta.I am looking to open a bank account for the LLC (for rentals and expenses), and I was wondering whether anyone could give me a recommendation in this regard? 

It is expensive for banks to foreclose and potentially have to sell the house - they would almost certainly lose money.   

I used State Farm Bank and it was a long process as well.