My instance did required me to fix some db issue after an update(it still works but the fix was recommended*). So I knew I am using mariadb. Its not super smooth sailing.

I just can’t get over the fact that I didn’t knew of ssh tunneling till today. P.S I have a 24x7 home server for last 5years

Wouldn’t that increase latency. Additionally speed could be limited by isp’s single connection speed to VPS.