Best way to get into Hard Money Lending?

[Ryan Farnsworth]

Hello everyone,

I have been put in a rather unique position and would love to pick the brains of some seasoned veterans here. A little back story, my boss started a very successful non financial related company in China 16 years ago. She moved to the U.S. 2 years ago and brought a branch of her company here. She is now interested in getting in to Hard Money lending as a lender. She has the clients, she has the money to lend, but she does not know how to go about starting this the proper way. Originally she was looking for a company that would be able to meet her needs initially where she puts up the money to lend as well as brings in the borrower and uses said company as the middle man to structure the loan. Is this something that is offered by companies dealing in hard money loans? If not, what would be the best initial steps to start out in this business and what licenses are required? This will all be based in Southern California for now.