Hey there, amazing post! 
A few notes from me for the “number26” part of your story.

• There are no invites necessary you just go to the page and apply.
• They now have a cooperation with TransferWise (there is a fee for the transfer, but you also see the live exchange course — not in every case the cheapest option, but it is “easy and transparent”
• There is a big deal, if you want to rent a car or book a hotelroom they actually don’t reserve money for deposit — they book the whole deposit amount from your account. So keep in mind to have the money on your card.

But all in all number26 is a very easy, sexy and secure way to get a bank account.