I have provided 8 max allowed rent increase notifications (State rent controlled units) this year and 8 below max rent increases (for preferred tenants), but still substantial increases (also 1 not rent controlled increase). 

Every part of town has it's quirks like some parts you really need to check out the houses foundation/basement as there are heavier clay soils, some are full of meth heads, some at first blush may appear not too attractive but drive around and you'll find lots of older people still living there taking care of their yards, keeping everything up though the racists will say the houses aren't worth anything.   

In the process of maneuvering the truck in a pretty tight spot, the movers caused some relatively minor damage to the neighboring property that I do not own.The owner of the damaged property does not live on-site and is not yet aware of the recent damage, though I have historically kept an eye out for their building and given them a heads up if anything seems amiss and warranting their attention.When I became aware of the damage, I texted my tenant to inquire about his plan for addressing and making adequate repairs, though he has not responded and seems to be ignoring the issue.

Do any firms offer a substantial base pay plus commission on top?

@Vincent Salazar you are headed in the right direction. 

The property in question has been on the market for some time now and is headed towards failure.

Currently live in Palm Springs, CA and going to be heading to Utah for my birthday next week.

Through my realtor and through online research, negotiated mostly on major repairs which were needed while keeping an eye on where the market was heading.

You should be well within your rights to head down that path, but I'm not sure what your state specific tenant laws are. 

If you don’t bring money, bring value.Keep your head up, and keep going.