Like other commenters, I eventually realized that tape is too often used as a crutch. I bit the bullet and started loading up the brush properly, learning how to approach and leave a line, investing in good quality brushes, and leaving tape only as a way to guard against specific areas mostly at risk for splatter and…

The points made about the benefits of renting are misleading. There are lots of smart reasons to rent, but financial gain will likely not ever be one of them.