Yelm is cool if you want some property to yourself. I looked out there for property before I moved. Good spot for us as the wife worked at JBLM and could use the back gate.
One thing to watch for if looking is a lot of that area is prone to flooding. I'd go look in the spring so you can see how much water you'll have on your property. Long drive to the airport. I'd guess 2hrs in rush hr depending on route.
I never looked st the schools in Buckley or enumclaw.