I have a 1997 honda accord with the vtech engine. I have a tick that is
quite loud on cold starts. It mostly goes away when engine warms up, but you can still slightly hear it. I do not know much about the vtech, but it sounds like a loose valve. Is this common with the vtech?

First there's no "h" in VTEC.. it's ok cause its a common mistake.

how many miles does it have? honda recommends a valve adjustment every 30K There are 3 things that can cause a ticking sound.. u ignition system (so check ur ignition wires, cap and rotor) ur fuel injectors also can tick (u may want a fuel injection cleaning) last is ur valves...