Both games are from Steam on my E: drive

When I get prompted with the install path selection, I choose my steam>steamapps>common>FalloutNewVegas as the location of the installation and I choose Base Game + DLC for installation.

I also did try starting a new game in New Vegas and got past the character creation and moved into Goodsprings for my latest install attempt, but the same thing happens: invisible items and no map marker for the vertibird/cabin.

I'll post an update after I attempt my next install tomorrow or Saturday.