My background is in building, with a degree from TAMU in Construction Science, and I'm currently a project manager overseeing new construction and remodeling of high end custom homes in Houston.

It also depends to some degree on your water supply - how acidic it is - and climate,  etc.   

I have been experimenting with FB ads with some degree of success.

The vast majority I have heard anything around promote, encourage, even celebrate the actions that would enact various degrees of fraud. namely, the #1 I hear is some narrative of "no no no, don't worry about your lender, we will just keep this quiet and between us alone, they don't need to know, all they care about is getting there payments, nothing will happen, let's just keep this quiet".     

Yes, those rules can be nudged up to a certain degree.  

Unfortunately breaking into an unoccupied dwelling is typically the lowest degree of burglary.

I was browsing through San Bernardino State University's Real Estate Degree Program and noticed that some subjects align with those I've studied here in the Philippines.

Maybe you can say I got lucky it rose as much as it has and I would respond that we are talking degrees and even with my expected appreciation, I would have done great. 

There are other loan products out there with a varying degree of rates that could be alternatives, but I'm not an expert in mortgage products so I'd recommend speaking with a lender first. 

Yes, but im finishing up my associates degree in interior design the next coming year.