Well after more thinking and looking on ebay, I think I can get a JDM engine for about ~$650 shipped from PA. I'd have to swap some parts from my current engine to the new one, such as my new plug wires, timing belt, water pump, etc. As far as I know, taking off the timing belt and swapping it would be easy if the engines were out of the car right?
My family is in the midst of selling our house and my father and I cannot undertake much of the labor at all involved w/ the engine swap, so it seems that a mechanic will have to do everything. At least I hope we get to keep my old engine so I can do something with it in the future
Am I correct with my post above in the mindset that my lifters must in fact be worn and pretty much unrepairable? I have used Friction Free 3000 as Steveman recommended, my ticks remained.