Negative opinions probably center around the fact that in the NE, people aren't very accepting of random people knocking on their doors.  And New York?  Let's just say they aren't the most accepting of random strangers.  The EJ "gee shucks" doesn't work very well in the NE, which is probably why you've heard what you heard.  Not that it isn't possible, but it certainly isn't as easy to pull of as, let's say, the bible belt, for example.

I know a guy that has done it.  He's doing well enough, I think.  Why don't you actually call some guys in the NYC area instead of asking dudes that have no idea?

I'm already aware of the challenges on knocking doors to get business in NY.  I was going to initially knock doors during training and then use other media outlets to prospect(cold calling, referrals from my COI). 

I spoke to a few reps here, and they seem to love Edward Jones.  I plan to prospect around border nassau county/bayside area and expand from there.