However, when I went to apply for a HELOC at my local credit union for $100,000 they denied me saying my "debt to income was too high".

So, I go into the bank/credit union to get a loan, does it count against me if they say no I need to hold the house for a few more months?  

The only lender who will even consider us is the local credit union.

It seems like the European union is not doing that well in general and is headed to a breaking point.

I've seen countless FB discussions where some people (usually always young white people ironically) stirring this pot by saying things like how a black family simply cannot buy a home outside of the traditionally African American areas and especially places like Waukesha county, which is complete rubbish and I've seen first hand examples, not a whole lot but some, where it has worked out just fine.

They can go to any Credit Union with shared branching, deposit the cash or check, and their name is noted on the deposit. 

But I've also discovered that a couple of the local credit unions will refinance less than $50K with rates around 3%.And I've been working on the projected value angle with my dad, demonstrating how the values have been steadily increasing around here due to all the new development in the area, with an estimated increase of around 3 or 4% this year (though I'm not sure if that's considered good, mediocre, or what). 

The credit union doesn't offer fixed mortgages 

We hold it every first Thursday of the month at The Huddle up off of Fort Union Blvd.

Has anyone had any luck with smaller banks / credit unions to get a refinance in a similar situation ?