California charges a minimum tax of $800 a year per LLC, and more if you have gross receipts in excess of $250k.

If you had a basis of $200K and a net sale of $450K then you wouldn't have any excess gain. 

So Ideally I'd like to throw the house up on the market in April to gain the best exposure and in theory - a close in May / June is feasible given typical time frame to close (house is in SF proper).

Purchase an Excess Liability policy (only covers over the listed policies) 5.

Ideally I am looking for some exposure to different business strategies, market analysis.

That seems excessive to me. 

It takes time and effort to get them aligned with the new rules (simple things e.g. pay on time, no excessive wear & tear, no hoarding, no large loud birds, no smoking indoors, don’t smoke on the wood deck and drop your cigarette and catch the wood deck on Fire, etc..).The lesson would be to aggressively pursue replacing the problem inherited tenant as soon as you’re pretty sure they are a problem.

California charges a minimum tax of $800 a year per LLC, and more if you have gross receipts in excess of $250k.

@Tab Teehee all excess funds need to be paid to the owner at the end of every month.

A syndication will allow you exposure to real estate investing, but avoids the burden of having to evict and cover expenses should a vacancy happen.