Reading your post I'm not 100% sure if you need something that'll test network connectivity, but I have this for my personal kit and it is a great tool: https://smile.amazon.com/Fluke-Networks-MS2-100-Cable-Tester/dp/B000QJ3G42

I'd start with the cheaper $500 option and like you said if you are asked to certify the cable rent one or buy the Pocket Ethernet (sure it isn't rugged, but even a $10k tester you'll be taking good care of) and isn't going to break the bank to buy a new one if it gets broken.

If all you need is a cable tracer/identifier, you can buy those for like fifteen bucks on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com//dp/B0BTQ785LB/

Unless you truly need an advanced cable diagnostic tool, in which case the $90 one at home depot should be decent enough.

Or, if you want to REALLY get serious, there's also this option:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QJ3G42/ (and notice that is the LEAST expensive option on that page.)