If I secure renters and show a lease agreement and deposit can I get into lower interest rate mortgage?

You could break the ice, introduce yourself (unless you go PM), do an inspection, and bring a lease agreement for them to read and hopefully sign.You'll probably increase the rent.

If Person A had any claim to the deposit, it would have been right after they left, which apparently was over a year ago.Your agreement is with Person B and that's who you would return the deposit to.

the terms of your agreement with the agent will lay that out

Business Continuity: If you invest with partners, a properly structured key person insurance or buy-sell agreement funded by life insurance can ensure a smooth transition if one partner is no longer around. 

Depends on the operating agreement and docs you signed.

Apparently they take preferred interest in your company or have you sign a UCC cash flow agreement.

My best current strategy is a lease purchase agreement, where they give me the house for a low lease amount and I cash them out after I'm done remodeling. 

Their insurance has asked me to return the month's payment for the remaining days of their rental (Unfortunately, I did not have a cancellation agreement).I am unsure how to handle this situation, especially since I couldn't fill the majority of the rental dates and had to offer discounts for the days I did manage to book.

If not rented at fair market rent, this property will just count as your residence, not a rental for tax purposes.Structuring the property under an LLC or land trust could trigger a due-on-sale clause, so check with the lender before proceeding.To minimize risk, consult a CPA for tax strategy, weigh financing costs, and draft a legal rental agreement.