If you get the right calf you can raise it by itself, it is done all the time, you just need to be selective in your choice. Do not get the bundle of nervous muscle that runs 50 feet from you and then turns to stare at you with his tail and his head held high. You want calves that are weaned, eating on their own and vaccinated. Pick the gentlest one you can. We always picked the calf who stayed with his head in the bunk eating as the others scattered, his priorities were right.
Keep him in a small corral, 24X24 or smaller, that he can not get out of, until he is gentle. Once he is tamed, not climbing the fence every time you come around, basically heads to the feed bunk when he sees you, you can think about turning him out to the pasture.
If it were me I would try going with 2, I would still get calves like I described above and handle them the same when you bring them home.
Make sure when you unload at home, that there is no way for them to get out, if there is it/ they will.
