The commissioner may accept and act upon the opinions, appraisals and reports of any independent engineers, appraisers, or other independent experts which may be presented by an applicant or any interested party, on any question of fact concerning or affecting the franchises proposed to be offered and sold. The commissioner may also have any or all matters concerning or affecting such franchises investigated, appraised, passed upon and certified by engineers, appraisers or other experts selected by the commissioner.