Beyond the obvious debate between SFR and apartments, I think it depends on the scale you're aiming for out of the gate and what return you're seeking (which loosely translates into age of property here in KC).  

Just curious and making conversation, I am not aiming to challenge you on your stuff.  

Sure- i own one rental house free and clear, cost $80,000. i am 10 years away from retirement and will need to supplement my income with another $3,000 a month . i have $60, 000 cash to invest now.

I'd say capital is the main driver as to how many people buy, and second to that is really their goals--are they shooting for financial freedom, or are they just wanting some additional supplemental income?

And your point about aiming for % of return based on doing a little better than the stock market makes a lot of sense. 

Supplementing with flips, new construction or some other form of REI, keeps the interest there and actually pays the bills without having to use your cash flow to live and hence, killing the golden goose.

I rented both sides of the duplex and was supplementing my income nicely.

Look at what a similar home should look like in the price range you're aiming for. 

However, I am not very eager to move into a home, nor do I have enough money saved up to buy something up to my standards.I'm basically wondering what would be the best route to go from here: Save up and buy another investment that I can rent out (like the idea of another duplex) and then purchase our "home" later, OR aim for the home now and worry about adding more investments after settling in and renting out my current property?

During peak season, should I be aiming higher with pricing and in the winter go for lower pricing to just get someone in?