I'm interested in REI, but I'm not sure there would be much benefit for somebody in my (admittedly quite fortunate) position. 

The fortune is in the follow-up.

I have been fortunate enough to have a stable well paying job for the 6 years and have been able to save up a good amount of capitol to fund the initial down payment on a multi-family rental property.

My maintenance is all over the place and does not seem to have much indicators of which units will be high (it is sometimes attributable to the tenant but not always) but fortunately average to a fairly low amount. 

I understand the concept of finding motivated buyers and sellers, the contracts, assignment or double escrow, but what's the best way for me to just dive right in without having to spend a fortune on mentors who turn out to be real estate gurus?

Fortunately for me I have a few rental properties and manage some for others.  

I have been fortunate enough to get connected with a bunch of like minded individuals locally and through BP who have been a tremendous help.  

Houston seems to be more robust economically, with a major port close by and dozens of Fortune 1000 companies headquartered there.

Could have made a fortune for investors in return as now things are being developed at a premium.You have to find the investors that are more concentrated on returns years from now and not cash flow today.Cash flow only passive investors for high returns today I am not as interested in.

I am very fortunate to have a contractor who does things right the first time and on time at a reasonable price.