This sounds pretty reasonable to me, actually. He has no history of being successful enough self-employed to support paying a mortgage. Give it some time, and I'm sure they'll loan him money.
Also keep in mind that this is a mortgage for an investment property, not a primary residence. So even more risky for the bank.
Also keep in mind that this is a mortgage for an investment property, not a primary residence. So even more risky for the bank.