"Multi-year"

it's quite possible the bike you start with may not be the bike you finish with regardless of wheel size. If the existing bike is perfect, with you and your load relatively light for the frame AND the largest tire size is adequate for the roads with only wheels needing an upgrade I could see heading out with that bike with the idea it may be replaced by whatever you find along the way. Don't bother with fancy wheels just robust ones. Low cost Shimano hubs and Rhynolites should do it. If you and total load are in the 275lb+ range I'd sell the Fuji and go for beastier bikes in 26" wheels.