Engine start issue 2018 jd z970r

Hi All,
Thank you in advance for the help, guys. So my mower won't start without either adding compressed air to gas tank (10 seconds) which works intermittently, or spraying fuel aerosol into the air filter (works immediately 100% of the time). I replaced a few parts in the fuel system to avoid future issues (bought used). Here's what I've tried so far:

Troubleshooting
1. Flushed fuel lines
2. Replaced ignition coil
3. Replaced fuel solenoid
4. Replaced air filters
5. Cleaned entire carb well
6. Drained gas tank
7. Replaced fuel pump
8. Confirmed new fuel pump operational
9. Confirmed fuel lines in good condition
10. Oil newer (100 hours)
11. Confirmed fuel pump unclogged (ran air through tank)
12. This is the 35hp kawasaki engine

No warning codes. Engine turns over, but quickly dies out before fuel kicks on.

Great question - priming with compressed air to the tank works ~25% of the time, spraying starter fuel directly into the air filter (with filter lid/hood off) works 100% of the time.

That worked! I had to pull the choke xompletely open (something my prior mowers have never needed). Thank you again for the help - easy fix.