OninVR:
Given the above code and configuration, do you think I can still use AT commands? I tried sending AT commands but there is no response from the ESP 01
Sorry I did not see that you have overwritten the AT firmware.
You have to understand that you don't need the Arduino anymore since you have flashed the ESP-01 with the ESP8266 Arduino core firmware. That firmware is not a good idea for the ESP-01.
If you want to use the Arduino with the ESP-01 and with the ESP-01 strictly only for wifi, you need a different library. GitHub - ekstrand/ESP8266wifi: ESP8266 Arduino library with built in reconnect functionality