Welcome!!! You are doing right by researching the beagle breed before committing to one!
Beagles are different. They are a different species within dogs. I personally think that they consider themselves to be babies (human that is) and as such keep challenging you, at everything, all the time.
Many people consider that to be stubbornness (which it might be), but I simply think of it as independence. They are pack animals, which means they love being with their pack, as much as possible. If you don't have other dogs/cats/..., the would love being with you all the time. They tend to suffer from separation anxiety because of that.
On the other hand, I don't think I would have a time in my life where I don't have a beagle (in addition to other dogs/pets). Chloe, my baby, is a year old red/white 13" beagle and I can honestly say that eventhough it was not easy at first, I just can't picture my life without her. Beagles are just loving, they will be with you, love you, support you, understand you, be your shrinks, comforters and your best friends forever.
Once you commit to one, you are his (or hers). They don't say we are owned by them for nothing...
Enjoy the site. Great advice is found here everyday!