Beginner RE Valuation/Modeling

I'm new to RE and want to transition to Capital Markets eventually just out of interest (probably more interested in debt/equity placement but open to investment sales also)

I'm pretty familiar with traditional modeling (3-statement projection, DCF) but having trouble finding free resources for real estate modeling. I had a few questions that were a bit confusing so I would appreciate any help!

So I understand the process for calculating NOI. In commercial real estate, is NOI considered the same as CF? How is NOI/CF projected when doing DCF? Is it based on the monthly lease payments or is there even a "projection" like a traditional model (i.e. average revenue growth)? For cost items, how are those projected (% of income?)

Then, do we use NOI as the CF in a DCF model?

Thank you so much for your help!