def _preoptimize_model(self, initials, method):
        """ Preoptimizes the model by estimating a static model, then a quick search of good AR/SC parameters

        Parameters
        ----------
        initials : np.array
            A vector of inital values

        method : str
            One of 'MLE' or 'PML' (the optimization options)

        Returns
        ----------
        Y_exp : np.array
            Vector of past values and predictions 
        """

        random_starts = np.random.normal(0.1, 0.1, [2, 1000])

        best_start = self.latent_variables.get_z_starting_values()
        best_lik = self.neg_loglik(self.latent_variables.get_z_starting_values())
        proposal_start = best_start.copy()

        for start in range(random_starts.shape[1]):
            proposal_start[0:2] = random_starts[:,start]
            proposal_likelihood = self.neg_loglik(proposal_start)
            if proposal_likelihood < best_lik:
                best_lik = proposal_likelihood
                best_start = proposal_start.copy()
        return best_start