If I had the choice for around the same price, I would use real barn board.Home depot recently started selling a weathered looking rough pine board at more reasonable prices, I'm planning on using that on a flip in the next few weeks.

So I need help with knowing how to make the better choice.

Then it was sort of rinse and repeat.I did notice that was a popular starting point on a BP poll recently (renting out a place you already owned/lived in).It makes sense as you have the financing in place, the transaction complete, plus you have screened the area and the property, know all the maintenance and routines, etc.So your first home may be your first investment property, too, eventually. 

Is it a choice based on one's market, class of properties or is that generally the case?...

As for new investors, I can even offer some advice that could help remedy the "naïvety" - something that will even help you in your endeavor to invest in regardless of your vehicle of choice! 

The most popular lender nationwide is 21st Mortgage, a Berkshire-Hathaway Company.

Vinyl trip pieces are popular too and claim to be more durable.

The answer, if those were the only choices, would be #1.Luckily, those aren't the only choices, but #1 would be a part of it.

So if the choice is between paying the costs on your own or using HML to do it, the HML route will allow you to leverage more of your money.  

You're talking about mainly the infrastructure, not finishes such as vanity, tile choices, etc.