Not a ton of choices in driving distance. 

I am really interested in becoming a first time home owner within super easy commuting distance (6 minutes) of a huge manufacturing plant that is about to be built.

200K for a two family+ is almost impossible to find in the five boroughs. i think mount vernon is one of your best options if you consider distance  

Many HML programs don't allow properties on over 5 acres, or properties that are more than X distance from major towns (depends on the loan & lender).Minimum loan balances too low.

I am currently an engineer working in Houston, TX so we may be looking at long distance investing, at least in the short term.As we get started we are trying to build our team, especially since we are starting long distance.

I wish I could be more specific - but you didn't outline your financial resources, time constraints, goals, interests.  

The location is lower Clifton, not within walking distance of UC, but near it.  

We moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin in 2004 and are thinking of retiring in the next few years.We are finding it too much of a challenge to manage the rentals from a distance.   

., but since I work a full time job, I feel like the distance is a hindrance to me right now.

It's really not too difficult to manage the PM from a distance, you'll just need to have the mindset that the property is always your responsibility first and foremost and the PM is your surrogate.