@James Wise I think that this exercise you are attempting is totally wasted on the active, seasoned BP member as they have been down the road and worked hard to find their niche and make it work for them.  

While I don't operate in those temps we have a definite moving season and with aggressive marketing it is doable!

It's great to have a seasoned investor join our ranks.

Now that I have enough equity & seasoned I am able to refinance.Closing costs $2200.00 each.

So how do seasoned investors decide what is the best way to deploy cash?

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.  

@Larry Russell I would look for smaller regional banks or credit unions for better seasoning expectations. 

Unless I missed it, did you first confirm that there is a boatload of equity and profit potential, especially allowing for repairs of a house that been vacant through a number of harsh seasons?

It means a lot coming from a seasoned investor such as yourself.

Exceptions to this would include scenarios where the investors are willing to work you through mistakes (i.e. they aren't Uncle Joe, they are seasoned investors that will walk you through difficult projects) and scenarios where the truly great deal is simply out of your reach alone.But, for most people, I bet that getting started small, on your own, with 100% ownership is probably ideal.