Lack of experience may be a factor as well so you don't bite off more than you can chew so to speak the first time around. 

But, being the newbie I am, I am questioning how to know if a bank will approve a refinance.The property does not (on the surface, no inspection yet) need any serious rehab, mostly fresh paint and carpet here and there.The property is almost fully rented and would generate positive cash flow from day one.What other factors might play a part in whether I'm approved for refinancing?

The real deciding factor that I was waiting on for Apple was when they went with the bigger screens.

The property taxes are significantly lower, so it improves your cash flow, without changing the factors of the deal.Good luck!

Pages take forever to load and scrolling is almost impossible.

What is required and what is the determining factors like Credit Score range, income verification, letters of recommendation, etc?

It will be owner occupied for a minimum of a year and i currently own my own condo which i will rent out so the multifamily will be my primary home.FactsPrice range for the property is 300K - 500KMonthly payment for all properties i have explored with agent is 925-1230 (all the analysis factored in projected rental income and maintenance and most of them were already rented which gave us the rent needed for underwriting)Current cash saved for downpayment = 45KIncome = 80K (45% is 3000/month)Condo PITI+HOA = 720  (currently FHA)(market rental for similar units in my area is 1000-1200)Total monthly debt + Condo = 2000 (approximately 250 is credit card debt at 0% that can be paid off if needed but have been saving the cash for DP)As you can see i will not have enough for a 20% down conventional and cannot go FHA because my current place is FHA financing (the refinancing process would take too long to switch to conventional).

The fear factor of calling back has already gone from where I started at maybe an 8/10 down to a 2/10, I think this is the main thing that keeps people from getting started.  

It's a long shot depending upon factors that include the owner's fiancial profile, but a bank may want to do a SS vs foreclosure.If the bank will accept a SS have him list it with an agent and make an offer.  

My wife and I currently rent out our first home and just purchased our forever home.