I read through FAQs about mining and/or investing in XEM and still confused. Is it possible to mine XEM, if not what is a sensible way to invest in XEM for a small investor?

It seems like from XEM faqs that you have to invest minimum of 10000 XEM to start harvesting, that equates to ~USD $1123 at current rates, not a small amount just to get started. Am I missing something here?