You could also setup a git repo for your config files. That way you could revert changes, if you break something.
If you don’t want do open your pi up to the internet you could take a look at tailscale. I use this script on my laptop and home pc to share files with sshfs while having any other traffic go through mullvad. Set this up on your pi with it as an exit node and you basically have access from anywhere.
Not to bust your bubble, but aren’t nationalism and antiquated role models on the rise among adolescents again?