Well Dave,
We are on dog #2, and I personally think Crate Training is the best method, although when getting a puppy the do need to go more often then not. My wife would come home on her lunch break and take him out to the bathroom. There have been times when he went in his crate but that doesn't happen much anymore. Eventually they learn to hold it until they can be let out. Once our dogs are trained to hold it (and are over the puppy stage where they chew everything) we let them out of the crate all the time and it gives the dog freedom roam about the house, and play if they would like. If there is a concern with having a puppy, maybe think about adopting a rescue that is already trained to go outside. There is a lot to learn when getting into the puppy world, they bring you so much love and enjoyment, but also do take a lot of time and can be kind of restricting. Also look for a dog that has similar traits as you, if you are not home a lot to play with and give the dog a lot of attention maybe you should get a dog that doesn't need to play all the time and can be more of a lapdog. Do a lot of research and you will be fine.
best of luck, anything else I can help you with let me know.