The best way I know to explain to people how to start thinking about investing is to show them the possibilities - of which there are endless options, when you do it right.

The other has endless sob stories, along with poor credit, and now text-bombing me)?

The list of potential residents is endless.

Anecdotally, I am one of the folks that moved to Atlanta for a great job opportunity, good weather, and endless outdoor activities that Atlanta (and Georgia in general) have to offer.

Check with your local smaller community banks, savings and loans lenders they generally are the best route and it can lead to endless possibilities of a great team member especially if they know you're serious about investing and you invest in their bank by holding an account with them.

I noticed an outcropping of Earth's crust sticking out of the scree, ideal for attaching something to, and an endless supply of beautiful flat rock for stacking... 

Your other option (just an idea here) is if you purchase another house maybe look for or add an in-law suite to it and they live real close to you, then you rent out the house you currently have also and you solve 2 problems at once, then it allows you to be more flexible with what your parents pay monthly, heck you could even have them pay a/some of the utilities your options at that point are endless, (I do realize some people want their parents/in-laws close but not on the same property was just tossing the idea out there).

There are endless options on items to sell.

Options are endless but have to see what fits your goals and life.

Or we can go with the traditional method, obtain a loan from the bankAs a private buyer..I suppose the options are endless, hopefully we can settle for an option that works for both of us.Thanks for the information, I am very interested to know more about your property!