It's great that so much thought is going into getting a dog, wish everyone did that. You've got some great suggestions and ideas so far.
I have four dogs, I've had as many as eight at a time. I have always been away from home ten hours a day, when I was in the army sometimes 24 hour duty as well. I've always tried to set up a kennel situation for the time I'm gone, so the dogs can go indoors and outdoors. I don't like leaving them in a crate for that long, although I know people who do and it works well for them. I like them to be able to go lay in the sun on nice days. One difference, however, is they have other dogs to keep them company. The last pups I had I kept three of them, and they played and kept each other amused all day (the adults pretty much sleep all day). So more than one is an idea, although not recommended by trainers since the dog bonds to another dog and they need to be worked with separately for training. I'd love to be able to bring them to work, but I've never had that situation. A good doggie daycare is a good idea, as well as having someone you trust stop by and take the dog for a walk or play session during the day.
vickie