Just trying to understand tax implications. 

Also note, the military and all government employees on assignment are usually exempt from occupancy taxes if they can present you with an exemption certificate.

Taxes would be around $500/year for the land only.  

It was not a 1031 exchange, so we are now calculating our taxes.

For the District of Columbia, is there a template or any advice on what works to challenge property tax assessment increases?

I also understand that mentorship is a two-way street and I'm willing to earn that help in any way that I'm able. 

In a perfect world, I would be able to command a rent high enough to at least earn 0% on the house to pay down the mortgage.

I'm still thinking if this is the right move for me given the high property taxes there, hassles of out-of-state management, additional CA taxes, as opposed to simply investing in index funds (which might have more returns).

Your 2023 tax deadline is coming up.

There is no tax advantage to doing an LLC.