(rents are increasing in the area, but we are heading into fall/winter where the tenant pool is lower) Assume that you would get pretty much all your money out on the refi.

Typical FHA loans are 3.5% down, but you can increase that number if you want.

I would generally give them 30-60 days notice regarding new rent increase so that the tenants can adjust to the rent hike.

You might want that in the first year as it increases your cash flow in a period when usually propriety performance is weak and the cash flow is lower (and that could be useful in financing/refinancing said property).

In his example, it doesn't look like he spent any money, but what are good examples of forced appreciation that can be done cheap that can increase the value of the home a lot?

I trust his insight on the rent but have questions if the condition of the condo will cause an increase in the price. 

Some of the costs involved are licensing fees, continuing education, errors & omission insurance, general business liability insurance, increased auto insurance, realtor board membership dues, sentrilock fees, css fees, mls fees. 

My goal would be to use BRRR and then hold as I would expect the value of the house to increase as more commercial spaces move into the area.

However, in the scenario you described, it appears there will be a first mortgage in front of you, reducing your security/increasing your risk.As an investor, if you are putting in 50% of the cash required to close, you should expect 50% of the profit on sale. 

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)?