All three windows need to be the same size and as close to the same distance apart as possible -none more important than the other - you need to sort of 'bore' the eye, so you can do something to draw attention to the main event - the front door.You might have to fiddle with the details a bit but try to keep the principles in mind - focus, balance, symmetry and/or repetition - and you'll be fine.

I like to stock up for the whole year. 

Bring operational experience to the deal and help operate and manage the dealIn regards to whether or not it is a good time to buy, just like investing in the stock market, it is very hard to time the market.

Unfortunately I think that real estate will perform in a very similar way to how the stock market has...many people are still flinching from 2008-2009 and they have missed most or all of the run up...just when they capitulate to the FOMO and go back into the market is when we will start seeing a crest.This is a great reason for everyone to consider the time risk elements to their strategy..i.e. are you buying the right property in the right market but are married to a timeline (flip, wholesale etc) that could take a profitable buy and hold deal and turn it into a money loser if the market flattens or drops?

My local HEB has still had trouble keeping toilet paper in stock, that's funny. 

You will still have principle pay down, and appreciation.

Currently, I have 2 thoughts: 1) Rent out my primary home as much as possible (which would bring us ~1500-1600/month), save, and invest conservatively in the next few years (both in stock and RE).

If you are someone who invests in stocks or bonds or other securities and have somewhat consistently generated returns, keep the cash today and go that route not only because of the higher return but also the added liquidity.Best of luck :) 

In addition to your normal principle paydown, you've put in an extra 12k.

Its like owning stock in Amazon and walking around saying you own Amazon.