Refresh Workarounds

Direct query shouldn't be recommended against, but you should know its advantages and disavantages.

Key disadvantages:

• Not all transformations in Power Query work. It isn't too difficult to get into complex transformations that can cause it to fail. Generally, if the action is supported by query folding, it works. If not, it gets iffy.
• You cannot enable bi-directional filtering in direct query models.
• There is effectively no date table, so you cannot use time intelligence.
• Unless it is a composite model, all tables must come from one source.
• 1M record limit.
• Some measures won't work. SUMX() works, AVERAGEX() doesn't. Have fun getting those error messages when using an unsupported function.
• If it is a large set of data, the report will appear very sluggish to your end users as every time they click and move around, it refreshes. 

You can read more here.

Generally, DQ is not a substitute for importing. Importing gives the richest development and user experience, but it isn't real time like DQ is. I have 2 DQ reports out of dozens.

You could read this article on triggering a Power BI refresh via Flow. That might be your solution. Power BI Pro licenses are limited to 8 automatic refreshes, but unlimited (I think?) manual refreshes.