I learned this the hard way. Sent a specific property link to a few agents I was working with and said I want one just like this. No one came close. Eventually my dim witted brain kicked in and I simply clicked the contact us button on the advert and a week later signed my lease.
My experience is a few years ago but I have gone through several times with my Thai wife and a few times I was allowed to go with her and a few times we were told absolutely not. Much like everything here is seems to be subject to the whim of whomever is standing in front of you. Perhaps because you have children you’ll get a favorable decision. Good luck.
As said already Non O based on retirement. No insurance required. Dump money in the bank. Do your 90 day reports (required by everyone) and that’s it. Renew/extend next year for 1900 baht. Or hire an agent and not have to do anything. They go to immigration for you for the extensions and the 90 day report.