We need to learn more about how taxes work as foreign nationals investing in the USA, and what entities are best for tax/legal purposes. 

@Sean Graham isn’t your example paying for another cost segregation, which will cost more than a 1031, just to break even on taxes?

For example, if the loan officer asks you what your monthly payments are and your mother-in-law moved in with you because she is struggling financially and you are paying her car payment, don't share that you are paying her car payment every month.

As my pay goes up as an electrician, I want to wean off my military pay.

Each former member is then free to either do a 1031 on their % interest or take the cash and pay the tax.The opposite manuever was more common until around 15 years ago. 

Especially if you subtract 10% in selling costs and 20% in taxes. 

If you are living there you can keep the 4% rate.If you are not living there you can rent it out to pay for the property taxes. 

Then I will only have taxes and insurance to pay each year.

Is this a tax advantage over having two lots (one for each property)?

If an LLC has only one member and elects to pay taxes as a sole proprietor then it is a disregarded entity.