RESOLVED
for those who come after:
it was indeed an ftdi cable issue. Keep in mind that MCBL-00091-1 USB to Serial UART Cable is not a proper cable (i tried two freshly out of the box, and none worked). Currently using this cable: https://www.amazon.sa/-/en/Moyina-Converter-Terminated-BeagleBone-Minnowboard/dp/B06ZYPLFNB
