Or just let the residents vote in Maryland elections and keep the federal buildings/property its own separate entity
I think that’s a good idea. That would take care of the argument that residents in DC do not have congressional representation. Make most of the District of Columbia, a part of Maryland again, and that takes care of that.
That does not accomplish the desired end. DC then would not add two Democrat Senators.
That has always been the answer, statehood is only considered because it would be automatic dimwit senator and house member.