If it is such a great deal and they are a credit worthy operator, why won't a bank or other individual or institution loan them money?

I understand that the more loans you have in your name, credit worthiness (read credit score) of an individual goes down.

I have not committed yet, but am remaining open-minded.I currently work for a credit union and have learned a lot of credit worthiness as well as tenant screening/neighborhood renewal from all the podcasts.

It mostly depends in the creditworthiness of the buyer in the home and if the collateral (house) is valued appropriately.

I generally convey my credit worthiness to lending institutions through my credit report (which they insist on running - even after I tell them I'm a man of my word).  

If it is the parent, then it is probably no more credit worthy than the parent.  

There is no financing contingency to Buyer’s obligation to close .The other option which is not checked for my contract is:(b) This Contract is contingent upon Buyer obtaining a written loan commitment for a conventional FHA VA or other ______________ (describe) loan on the following terms within _______ (if left blank, then 30) days after Effective Date ("Loan Commitment Date") for (CHECK ONE): fixed, adjustable, fixed or adjustable rate loan in the Loan Amount (See Paragraph 2(c)), at an initial interest rate not to exceed _______ % (if left blank, then prevailing rate based upon Buyer’s creditworthiness), and for a term of _______(if left blank, then 30) years ("Financing").My wife says to just walk away as it has become too complicated and I somewhat agree.  

Creditworthiness of tenants, recovery of expenses, and length of remaining term are some others to consider.Of course, market factors are just as crucial and diligence should be exercised in that regard as well.

How many companies ran your credit worthiness and why?

That is a combination of a few factors such has credit worthiness, DTI Ratio (Debt to Income Ratio), credit history, etc.