Plus, it is a very desirable market due to government, defense contracting, private equity and other businesses operating there. 

Second, I’m operating as my own GC.

It's a power plant oil companies must have access to to operate?

I originally planned on staging the house, but my agent suggested it would make it an easy target for thieves breaking into a vacant house (unfortunately it is that type of area).He did bring up the idea of virtual staging, a service where you send in your photos and they populate them with furnishing and decor that look totally realistic (I looked at a few samples).

That being said...Is it enough to simply transfer the funds from the security deposit account to our operating account as paid rent for the next 2 months or is it necessary that I refund the money to them with a receipt, have them sign the addendum, and pay their rent themselves as usual? 

Mainly to setup a business checking account and have an Operating Agreement.

They genuinely do not want to know so the less they know the less stress you will have in operating the business.If she does come around and wants to be involved you are stuck with a spouse as a active business partner.

Many out of state investors use turnkey operators for the investment process, the tenanting of the property and the property management.

My partner and I are seeking the main tools we are in need of to start our wholesale business and what are the tools for operating expense for the business We thank you all in advance for all the feed back that you provide

For instance, a Grade A building on the East Coast would be a different proposition that one in Texas (value, operations, lending, etc).