wanted to ask if any advice on optimal location for skeg relative to how far forward from the stern

I'm not sure that skeg location is extremely critical, though it would probably be safest to copy an existing proven design of the same type.
NDK Romany is a well-known boat that is often purchased with a skeg:

I built a Frej designed by Bjorn Thomasson

As you can see the recommended skeg is well-aft and fairly high-aspect. I used a 'skeel' - a low-aspect (triangular) skeg just aft of the cockpit in my build, and it seems to work well to make direction control paddle strokes more effective and make the (rockered) hull track very well.

So you will likely not have a 'disaster' no matter where you locate the skeg...in practice, for me, adjusting the amount of skeg in the water to match the conditions is often necessary.

I would recommend protecting (as best you can manage) the skeg control tube from accidental tangling with gear.

BTW, you will probably be surprised how far you can reach into the boat when it is suspended inverted at a convenient working height, so don't assume without testing that you need the skeg 'close to' the hatch...i.e. in the most 'valuable real estate area' for gear. A quick and dirty mockup with cardboard might give you a better idea of working distances.
One advantage of having a skeg well-aft is that it occupies a space where you don't want to put much gear weight anyway.