I have worked in the industry for a while and my suggestion to you is go and see a mortgage broker. If you see a good one, they will take you seriously and, if you are not yet in a position where you can buy, they will help you to get where you need to be. (I reccommend The Loan Market)

From what you have said, there are borrowing options available to you, but they will involve using your parents as guarantors. And do go to open homes, who cares if they take you seriously or not? They are more likely to let you have a good look around the place if they are not trying to hard sell!

Good luck!