A lot of people have that much debt on their primary residence.I’d say pick up 2-3 more with mortgages then start paying them down.OR if you want the higher level of involvement, build cash to start using the BRRR strategy.

I have invested in NZ, OZ and the USA in addition to being involved in real estate in several other nations.

I'd like to try something that doesn't involve me going back there with a shotgun in the middle of the night.

The reason he hasn't involved an agent because the purchase price is not far from what is owned on the home so there's not much room to tag on a commission.

Or as long as I am open and truthful with everyone involved, I'll be alright?

I would error on cautious side (pay her back) when family is involved, but that is me.

But it was only a small slice of my nest egg.Finally, know what you're doing when you get involved. 

Understand the fees involved and calculate the total cost for an entire year of management so you can compare the different managers.

I have never been involved in a hard money transaction before so I’m looking for any advise and/or suggestions on the subject.

Study them and decide on the one you will be putting all your efforts on.Lastly go ahead and look at the different options you have to start getting involved: Go and work for an established local (or not) that does what you want to do, become a member of an investor club where you can potentially partner up with experienced investors (you need to bring value), start deploying some capital into some passive opportunities to start learning the process, start buying some properties with your own capital and grow from there....I hope this is somewhat helpful.