I have only invested in vacation STR properties on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, I still develop property there now and have for the past 20 years very strong markets like the ones you mentioned

Not all of the land is developable, so the lots would be about 10,000sf each. 

i have heard that the base is taking up a lot of new land and developing a ton of new housing (in the thousands) in order to keep the military families living on base opposed to off base.

Should I focus first on developing a marketable skill that would allow me to become a freelancer so I could start saving earlier or should I invest my time in learning more about real estate?

It shows you how to develop relationships, while spending no money, to grow your business the right way.

Decision fatigue will become your middle name.If you have developed a financial model and derived a property description, any property you look at either meets or doesnt meet your model.

I targeted areas that were around economic engines, within neighborhoods or areas that were beginning to turn (about 25% of the houses were renovated/rehabbed and the surrounding area is undergoing development).

They just don't have the expertise or development knowledge to have a buyer's list with people who want land and the value for land can be subjective when there are not a lot of comps.

If not I'd develop your relationship with a team via buy and hold and only pursue BRRRR once you find a solid partner or develop enough experience to protect yourself. 

If I buy a piece of land with the proceeds, it still needs to be developed.