To petition for step child the relationship should be established before 18 years of age.

In most cases COS is considered abandoned upon departure.

It will be best to have an immigration attorney review your criminal file despite dismissal to opine on repercussion on the visa application.

Can a person with H4 Visa with EAD invest in a start up/company and get hired by that company or become CEO/Board member by inv? Yes

You are most likely to be paroled in with this information

Yes, you can be a member. Wife can be registered agent.

You will have to depart and stay abroad for one full year to be eligible for the next set in H or L status

How can I convert consular processing to change of status on an approved H1B petition ? Yes

You can choose to not work for any petitioning employer

You can apply to extend status. Application must reach before lawful status expires.