Actually there are a few big reasons to rent out hash power over just mining.
1. Customers pre-pay for the rentals meaning you can realize a much quicker flow of money to help expand rather than waiting 6 months to mine that much.
2. Renting hash power means you can put a steady fiat income on your companies books, which is very important when fundraising or applying for loans. Banks dont look at future mined coins as realized revenue.
I could list a few more but you get the point.
Actually, I'm very interested. I know you are probably busy so I won't ask you to list any more (unless you feel inclined)... However, can you list a couple resources like websites or ebooks or anything else that I can use to research more myself?
Thanks! You seem very knowledgeable.