I offered to do a JV with him to teach him about being a landlord. 

You need about 25X annual expenses to become financially independent using traditional Wall Street style investment vehicles.  

I am also looking for a solid mentor in the Houston area who is willing to teach a young, hungry, and very motivated future investor.

Someone should create a video series teaching out of state investors how to evaluate and buy turnkey properties.

I would live easier having the tenant paying everything and have the living "free" life style.

Is it time to buy another house and rent out our existing one in a duplex style manner.  

Even though I work as a Social Worker for my day job, I wouldn't chose those style programs as my way to contribute to the community, but other local landlords do.

I'm sure this is just lack of knowledge, so if anyone could help teach me something, I would greatly appreciate it!

anyone can learn the basics of DIY as one acquires properties, however knowing how things are done and what is required to do these things prevents being taken advantage of by contractors. if you just want to learn how to fix things,  the internet can teach you to do practically anything.

How much you invest is completely up to you and your investing style.