No harm no foul. ;-)

I've been researching the topic for awhile trying to understand the economics of the business and where the "value" can best be unlocked, but it always seems that all the articles I find are a lot of talk with very little substance.

When you approach others as the principal buyer, but your profile and discussions on BP and the net reflects otherwise, you are just harming your reputation.

Some ideas are above - one is a brick base, one is a slate type substance and one appears to be tile.

I think that was the only risk I considered and didn't think other harm could come of it. 

If you are dealing directly with the owner, there is no harm in asking, but I imagine most professional landlords are confident in their rental rates.

Continue to study, research, ask questions, etc...but in the meantime, build relationships with those who can help you achieve your objective without causing any harm to the consumer. 

No harm in asking, though.I bet your insurance will be $1500-2k/month, but you'll have to talk to some brokers to know for sure.

If retail, I really don't even see how there could be any potential for harm...

If they are simply curious then "no harm, no foul".