Ryan,

MTD makes an large number of "housebrand" lawn mowers. I'd try looking
there with your model number.
I don't understand your question. Many lawn mowers will not start unless
the clutch pedal is depressed by that's an electrical cut out and has
nothing to do with the operation of the clutch.
With the transmission in neutral, and the key or switch in the run
position you can use jumper cables on the starter motor to spin the engine.
It should start.

Dave M.