I would do everything I could to get it replaced ASAP even it meant paying a plumber more to do it today than less to do it three days from now.I do have a clause in my lease that says I will keep the tenants apprised of the status of any repairs. 

Dealer status depends pretty much on what you intend to do with the property when you make the purchase.

So, does the fact that it is refundable make an argument for deferring recording it to 30 days before arrival (nonrefundable status)?

You can verify a tenant's military status through the SCRA website.

I'm currently waiting to hear back from my attorney on the status.

It is not necessary for you to even ask their citizenship status.

I reached out and questioned the status of the estoppel on 10/5/17 in which he stated “still waiting on the estoppel but we only need that a week or so before closing”.

If during the year either the taxpayer or their spouse was covered by a retirement plan at work, the deduction may be reduced, or phased out, until it is eliminated, depending on filing status and income.

I understand that there are strategies like claiming the real estate professional status but to me (and most likely to IRS), that's still passive.

I continue in my status as a satisfied customer. :-)