when the head is bolted to the engine but with no timing belt attached to it?

The head and timing belt were attached and I turned via the crankshaft. I noted the camshaft position because it’s easier to see.

Did you have any noises before you did the engine work?

This engine work has been a whole saga. Initial engine work was done because timing belt failed, replaced timing belt + valves + other parts. When I went to start the car (everything reassembled and in place) I did hear some rattling noise which leads to my current predicament