The first of those really sold me on joining their company about how they were the greatest employer ever. This one didn't work out. They weren't as great as they thought they were because software was not their primary business and they had not worked out the economics of a software business in a way that makes any kind of sense. When the financials are in trouble your job is not stable.
The second of those didn't have to sell me, but they gave me to time to train up for a required certification and promoted me within one year of employment. They also respect my time even during office hours. This second one is a wildly different contrast to the former.
My best recommendation when interviewing is to focus on what they want from your daily activities. Really drill in and ask probing questions to test the water because that lets them know whether you will be compatible. Ignore all the work culture insanity they will attempt to sell you on and focus on how they want you to spend your time and what they expect you return to them. Be very specific.
When you are working remote you really need to operate with a superior level of communication. The more you are able to communicate at the level of senior management the better off you are. If that isn't you or your friend then working remote can be a risk. If it isn't them the risk applies equally, but only to you and/or your friend.