Assuming the area checks out, I’d rather buy in a high price area that has little to no cash flow rather than an area that has cash flow but lower price.  

I know that my current cash flow is a result of the unit being my primary residence first, and that not all units will cash flow like this, but can't help the feeling that I should be expanding my rental portfolio over the years.

I like to find owner finance deals and just finance the down payment for as many years as I can for cash flow.

Quote from @Ricardo Lemus: For a newer investor, a good investment is a property that pays for all expenses with some cash left over.

The check has been cashed and it's still not settled with me.

We walked through a property that we went into thinking we were not going to like it and we ended up loving it and jumping on it pretty quickly after because the seller was getting other cash offers and the price/location/set-up of the property just fit our situation well. 

Having cash ready to deploy is a huge advantage.

I’m excited to make this opportunity a reality but want to ensure that I bring the right partner on board to make it a win-win situation.Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and thank you in advance!

After talking with some folks, you will find someone out there will have a bunch of cash.

Cash flow is definitely the biggest challenge; both in terms of finding properties to buy that cash flow with a loan on them and just company wide given interest rates and labor/material is up and, at least where I'm at in Jackson County, MO, taxes are way up too.