Andy covered it well, but I'd add that on 1) you need to decide what's more important for you...geography, QOL, pay, etc. The perfect regional will have decent pay, REALLY good work rules, a junior base where you want to live, and a fast upgrade. In a perfect world, your regional would not have any impending labor or code-share contract issues on the horizon. Are you going to get all of that? No, unless you are extremely lucky. Decide what your priorities are, then look at what regionals come close.

If you have kids, try not to commute.

Equipment is not too important, but glass/turbojet time will probably be helpful when you apply to major airlines. It's OK to start on whatever equipment they offer, but it would be nice to have the opportunity to fly the jet eventually.

Also expect hiring to get tighter...I think most regionals will start being more selective, so the pulse-check interview might be a thing of the past. It is normal for airline to hire 20-50% of interviewees, so have a backup plan if the first one doesn't work out.