Their mother who just passed away would always talk to me and my parents when she sat on the front porch.  

Just curious and i popped on because my grand parents lived there and i spent many a summer there.but why would you buy in another city when U have all sorts of cash flow opportunities in KC ?

Or downsize to condo ( I need a home to go to to see elderly parents) and eventually rent  condo?

He has been there helping to move, but he did not want any part of the negotiating with his parents.

I'm also interested in using this renovation as a test case for some ideas and materials that my parents might be using in their SFH's renovation. 

I also just helped my parents purchase/rehab/and launch their first single family for short-term rental in the same area.

I just recently co-founded a company with my parents(who are foreign investors).

You will have to make this decision (possibly with the help of your parents).If you need some clarity on this decision read Tony Robbins book "Awaken the Giant Within" and write out the life plan things the book recommends.

EDIT: I should also add that I have pretty much no expenses as I'm living with parents right now who are awesome and allowing me to continue living here for a few years while I save up for a house or two and graduate college

Could I have one of my parents or a friend as the guarantor on the mortgage ?