Welcome to the site !!
You might want to check the de-compressor on the cam i would guess if its hard to kick then that is what is raising the compression making it hard to kick over , which would also make it hard for the E-Start to turn the engine over as well
While your checking things , check your valve clearance as well , since you have the valve cover off , but i would think your starting issue is in the de-compressor malfunctioning or a broken de-compressor spring or pin