I’m starting to second guess myself simply from the information I am finding on Zillow...Rental data isn't reliable in every market, especially online rental data.

If you have additional ancillary fees that can certainly dilute the % of the referral fee, but to @Marcus Auerbach point I'm not sure you need to offer the incentive.We've found that other realtors working with investor clients love having a reliable PM to refer to business. 

I am in need of a contractor who's reliable and someone I can build relationship with going forward.

:) As realtors and being around the block a few times, we have connections with reliable lenders.

There are much more shady contractors than reliable ones.best luck anyways

Over the years there are Maintance’s on the homes and have found great reliable and fair handymen off Craigslist.

An easy solution to that is don't do anything sketchy and you won't have to worry about it. 

Another way the additional cost is sometimes mitigated is that contractors and suppliers are paid more reliably and therefore the process sometimes goes smoother and there are perhaps less change orders or delays - both of which are costly.  

Definition..brainstorming brain·storm·ingthe unrestrained offering of ideas or suggestions by all members of a committee, conference, etc. in an effort to find a solution to a problem, generate fresh ideas, etc.How to ...Brainstorming combines a relaxed, informal approach to problem solving with lateral thinking.

But a workable solution if you haven’t gotten that far yet.