I don’t know of any camps of people more entrenched than the “cash flow is all that matters” and the “you must use leverage” people. 

-Or even cash flowing on a property RECENTLY ?

It's an amazing market to be in because you can still find the 1% rule and positive cash flow while getting amazing appreciation potential.

It seems that there is some risk associated even if it cash flows because our names will still be on the mortgage and affecting our DTI ratio.

The tax benefits refer to the tax deductions from mortgage interest and property tax.The returns mainly rely on appreciation, and the cash flow only improves in the last few years, also depending on securing the 5% refinance rate.I've learned a lot from this forum, but as I start to operate on my own, I'm still not completely confident.

But to answer your question, yes you can definitely find positive cash flow and the 1% rule here in Columbus Ohio.

Those remote flips and high cash flow rentals are so tempting on paper, but they rarely go well in reality. 

Prices are through the roof, Insurance cost have skyrocketed, maintenance cost are up a lot, taxes.

You’ll face hurdles like maintaining a steady deal flow, securing funding, managing renovations efficiently, and optimizing your exit strategies.This guide highlights key strategies for investors looking to transition from single deals to a scalable, volume-based distressed property investment model.1.

My wife and I started managing more properties for others as word of mouth recommendations started and we started to use the management and arbitrage cash flow to acquire our own properties and fund the BRRRs we were working on.