One other thing. You bring up whether or not singing falsetto is “legitimate”. Since you have a desire to be a professional singer rather than considering whether or not a certain style of singing is “legitimate” consider the marketability of your voice type. Where and how do falsettos in popular music make money? For instance, Nick Pitera has a visual arts degree and makes his living at Pixar. Don’t assume that because one person appears on youtube or on television, that there is a strong viable market for that particular voice type. If you are going to spend a lot of money on an education in vocal music (and no mater where you go, it is going to cost a lot of money) look into your post education options. Those options will help you guide your path in your music education