Without owner operator LMIA job offer, how many points you get in Express entry, thats the big question. If it is over 270, you can try to get 200 points for Job offer from your own business. Those 200 points will get you to 470 which is pretty good for express entry.
If you are lacking some points, you can go to canada on a work permit and while running a business you can study for first year, this will give you extra points in 2 more categories
1) 1 year study in canada.
2) 1 year work experience in canada.
This all comes down the fact, how many points you have at this age without job offer.
Finally, yes it is possible to apply for everything while in your home country and without getting a valid visit visa. If you go through my post, i was denied a visit visa and i have pretty strong travel history (US, UK, Australia, Japan, Europe) and very solid financials in my home country, but i guess sometimes they do make mistakes, which is understandable.
Good luck and feel free to ask any question you have.