Would go with move to NC and start to build there. You can learn and iron out kinks in a solid market. She can have her license reciprocated in Alabama (and GA and FL, once she's licensed in AL. I say this because most here hold multiple and those are the two). What you build there can either fund or supplement what you do once you all settle in Alabama and can build like wild fire once you hit the ground here.
As mentioned stick to the better school zones in the Cumberland area (or surroundings). I am second generation investor there and plan to stay and have my kids continue to invest there and here in Alabama.
It's never too late! At least now you all have the funds and also can focus in on fine tuning this aspect of your life without too many distractions of trying to "build" your life.
Either house hack into a couple of rentals while you all at Bragg (VA will have you live in the property for at least one year, and I assuming you have at least 2 years before you all are out or PCSing). If possible look into a multifamily (2-4 units still counts as a "single" family home) this way you'll have a decent amount units/cash flowing opportunities prior to the leaving the area, but if your wife is going to be active in Real Estate then you all should also leverage her access to properties.
