There might not be a monetary return, but it will be well worth it.

However, I have make sure that I read suggestions and experiences of other members to avoid monetary lost.

I can't speak on whether or not your idea is a good investment or not since everyone has their own goals and it sounds like you just want a place you can use often and not worried about the monetary return.With prices in the Vail area and the fact that it would be tough to fill up during the "off season," the chances of generating positive cash flow are fairly slim.  

If they damage your property in excess of the security deposit potentially you have someone besides a tenant to extract monetary damages from.

This is purely from a a monetary standpoint, cheaper the better.

The "professional" organizations, God bless them, have provided me not only the incentive, but the very real monetary return for going all in.

I would also suggest asking, while interviewing, if they offer any monetary assistance with marketing.  

No doubt you're correct that you can do a better monetary job on behalf of your client with a Retail Use/Occupancy, but you also need to consider the rest of the fiduciary duty:  There's much less accountability, stress, concern on the part of a warehouse owner than a retail owner. 

Monetary and "TIME". 

Do NOT take action until you have a solid plan.Do not go driving for dollars just because most people tell you to do so, and because you need to take action.If you really want to take action you do this.1) Do research on all the lead generation strategies you can think of and put them in an excel spreadsheet.2) Find out what the cost /deal is.3) Find out what the Cognitive cost/deal is4) Pick the right method based on point 2, and 3, that works for you.5) Save up money till you have they (monetary) Cost/deal x a factor of safety around 1.5 6) THEN spend money/effort getting deals.No matter what the heck you do, if you do not start with these 6 steps you ARE WINGING IT!!!