However, as with most aspects of life, fear and uncertainty can almost always  be reduced or eliminated through education and familiarity.

Bad money management with reckless spending, breaking rules, damaging property, drug use and even crime in some cases.

and/or reduce expenses (can you bill back the utilities to the tenants?)

I recommend a home inspector so you can get a 4-Point Inspection and possibly a Wind Mit Certificate - which determine whether the house is insurable and if so, can reduce the cost of insurance.  

I have been looking at data such as  vacancy, average home value/income, crime rate, ect.

Example:Duplex purchased for $100,00020% down payment would be $20,000Seller agrees to provide a seller credit of $10,000Your loan amount becomes $110,000 while you down payment reduces to $10,000A conventional loan only allows you to do 2% (maybe 3%) seller credit of the agreed upon price; whereas a commercial loan does not have that restriction.

I offered to purchase a portable unit for her to use and reduce rent to help pay for the cost of electricity for the summer months (~$50 a month), which she initially agreed to.

They keep their license active, reduce their fees, and earn referral fees. 

Crime ratings, school ratings, median income...Property Marketing - Let's face it, 99% of them advertise on Zillow or CL. 

Would I be able to collect a reduced commission when my only role in a transaction is lead generation?