I am an investor of time and energy into all three too (have been since 23)...my family are comfortable. We actually intend to downsize the house as its too big for us, and invest the extra in apartments.
Im a professional renovator, for myself and others as a business.
Started from a very humble 2 bed 100 yr old cottage.
As many say here, all the whingers want to step straight into the "median" priced house.