For instance, I want significant positive cash flow.

If you purchase a property that is cash flow positive after accounting for all expenses, and you are a buy and hold investor, it does not matter much if the value drops the next 3, 5 or 10 years as long as you don't have to sell the property.  

My last position was a property manager. 

However it is an investment that may require you to be more hands on to insure the decisions made affect your return in a positive way .  

Not trying to get into any debates about their position in the industry but its encouraging seeing your successes managing the process on your own.

Looking forward to my first deal or many and staying positive.

My last position in property management was a property manager which I absolutely loved.It was a hard decision to leave property management but I felt a tug for greater in my life and career.

Ultimately you may chose to spend the maint cashflow another way and plan to use a LOC to handle issues but that expense should be counted when figuring out if the property is cashflow positive or not.

They do not have to be a licensed agent to be in this position and collect a bonus from me do they? 

It also puts you in a very strong defensive investing position right now in a rapidly maturing market.