I always start Franchise via MTO. B/c of the trade logic they introduced last year, and expanded on or revamed this year. It allows you to go at it in different ways. You can trade for already established players and build a team around that player. Or you can trade established players for prospects. All of these options will carry over to your 2nd year of Franchise.
Plus MTO allows you to start multiple teams and you just choose which one to continue from Menu.
I understand the limited time thing. Ask yourself do you want to control a whole team or just a player? Both will be very immeseful this year IMO!!!-