You’d be responsible for taxes if something were to happen and your mom doesn’t pay. What is the reason she can’t put her own name on the home?

And if the niece and boyfriend don’t pay the monthly rent, they don’t have to since the niece will legally own the home. Good luck with that. If anything, why can’t your mom just let you own it?

I know nothing about film making so I’ll take it from you, if it doesn’t require a degree, don’t get one. A quick Google shows me some of the self taught film makers vs the ones who went to college. I tend to be strongly against degrees that are financially useless if it’s no strong possibility in recovering the cost of the degree. I’d think Hollywood and becoming successful is tough. I do wish you luck.

That said, only you can decide which one is worth it to you. I’d go for something practical and teach myself the arts. But that’s how i am. Also, no you don’t need to become homeless. There are many people who work in college and save money. There are many who live off of their grants in college while working to have something so that they have savings when they finish school. It won’t be easy, but you’re grown and unfortunately your life circumstances mean work will need to be the current priority with less college hours or both college and work will need to be priority with less sleep and social life.