The shop closest to me that rents machines usually does a lot of the adjustments to the machine themselves. So they will actually help you adjust the tension if needed. Actually, they usually include the thread in the rental time price so the tensions are pretty much adjusted from the get-go. You can take a class with whatever it is you want to work on. Like feathers, ruler work, customized. You do have to take a basic class to rent the machines. I really don't know what all it includes. When I got my machine, I got a class. It was done in two days as the instructor wanted to break it down. I learned how to load the quilt, how to adjust tension, the basics of stitch regulation vs manual mode and set up of pantograms (No robotics) Oh, and also basics of maintaining the machine like cleaning, changing needles, lubricating it.
The instructor came to my home so we could use my machine.