Many/most new RE investors are relying on rent growth and appreciation to achieve their desired return.  

Previously, I could rely on Nathan driving out and saving the day.

Are there specific metrics or tools you rely on?

I cant tell you how many rescue loans Ive underwritten for small businesses who relied on a LoC for liquidity and then had the line frozen or called unexpectedly.

Anything else is luck and relying on luck is gambling. 

But honestly, you'll want to shop around and compare a few local PMs since fees and services can vary quite a bit.

Too many varying opinions with sound logic on both sides in this forum regarding traditional velocity banking.First position HELOC ... 

Yeah, again, simple right.Now doing a tenant placement, the efforts, advertising, the actions to get it best done DOES vary in relation to the rents.

But if you’re new, relying on that razor-thin margin of error can feel like racing the clock in a marathon you’re not fully trained for.

Not to rely on speculation, but it should get better over time (hopefully) not worse.If the marginal increase between the two options is only a few hundred bucks and that isn't worth a few hundred bucks to you, then maybe not worth it.