PCGW has a good page on most of the PC version's critical issues and candidate fixes, and as you can probably see, there are quite a few. Getting it running in the first place was the hardest part for me. Once you get it running, just refer to the wiki now and then to watch for problematic points in the game and how to best avoid crashes.
As for emulation, I have no idea. I do know that the console versions are supposed to be quite messy themselves, though, so I would guess it won't be a much better experience.
It's definitely possible to get the PC game running with some patience.
https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Deadly_Premonition:_The_Director%27s_Cut
PCGW has a good page on most of the PC version's critical issues and candidate fixes, and as you can probably see, there are quite a few. Getting it running in the first place was the hardest part for me. Once you get it running, just refer to the wiki now and then to watch for problematic points in the game and how to best avoid crashes.
As for emulation, I have no idea. I do know that the console versions are supposed to be quite messy themselves, though, so I would guess it won't be a much better experience.