While different industries may have additional location requirements, there are four basic requirements.Low crime: Companies are unlikely to establish new operations in high-crime cities.

We are based in NYC but are considering (as of now) locations outside of NY but within a 300 mile radius. 

It’s on the rise but you just have to be selective regarding location and try to go for turnkey or keep it minimal regarding rehab  So you don’t have a nightmare story trying to manage a rehab from Out of Town. 

It seems like location would be especially critical with pad-split (and similar systems), but I’d love to hear your thoughts on what to watch out for in terms of zoning, safety, or demand.Also, I’ve traditionally rented out units the regular way, so I’m curious how screening tenants works for you with the pad-split (and similar) model.

If you're not having any luck with mortgage brokers (I'd search out the ones who specialize in investments), then go to your local REI meeting. 

I tried to some AI searches, but they were mostly inconclusive. - Mom is 73.

A good place to start figuring out profit/cash flow is to search the forums for the 4 Square Analysis. 

Quote from @Joseph Gary: Searching for a Multi-Family.

I'd say just start your search with all 2-4 unit properties, and when you find one where the numbers make sense and it checks your other boxes (somewhere you actually want to live and house hack), then it probably makes sense. 

Location, location, location.