Now that everything is set up following the instructions step by step, I CTD 100% of the time a few seconds after selecting 'New Game' in the main menu. The loading screen appears with the roulette wheel, which spins for a second or two then CTD. Of note, I only have the required mods and no additional mods whatsoever. All checks using the console with tilde key at main menu where successful.
From Crash Log: Exception C0000005 caught! GAME CRASHED AT INSTRUCTION Base+0x00757AA9 IN MODULE: F:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Fallout New Vegas\FalloutNV.exe
From Crash Log: Exception C0000005 caught!
GAME CRASHED AT INSTRUCTION Base+0x00757AA9 IN MODULE: F:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Fallout New Vegas\FalloutNV.exe