NAM will fix the commute issue. Also, if you're open to using mods, there are ways to make the game easier that don't feel very cheat-like. For example, there's a lottery ordinance mod that gives you an extra $10,000 each month, which makes the game much easier, but it also makes sense (since a state-run lottery program making you profit could easily happen in real life), so I feel it's a much better method than other money tricks (like the toll booth trick) that do not require mods but are less realistic.
Aside from that, some of the general advice that I've learned so far for this game are:
1) you always have to build out before you can build high. Certain building height can only be achieved after meeting certain population levels.
2) optimizing your zoning/traffic layout can only be a good thing in the long run, so don't be afraid to demolish what you currently have to make things better
3) for your city to be profitable, it is very important to not overspend on infrastructure you don't need, play with the funding sliders in each school, hospital, etc and only spend what you need
4) religiously follow the RCI demand graphs in your zoning if you want things to grow
5) transportation is very important once your zones are far enough apart, and transportation is really fun to play with, so the extra $10,000/mo you get from the lottery can be used to splurge a bit here (but of course, only do what makes sense, and occasionally what looks beautiful)
