Have tenants sign a statement acknowledging said security deposit. 

Many of these things required for success are things that I was not taught growing up, even when I talk to my dad about things like waking up at 4am to work, or going to the gym everyday, or meditating, he acknowledges that even he could never do that, but knows that many successful people do that and that it's vital. 

The landlord is irritated that, from his perspective, you decided to just go out an get a dog without seeking approval - Which is a very understandable position - He or she is having visions of a problem tenant that will be a pain in his rear for the next year - Your job now is to let the landlord know that you did in fact ask the realtor about getting a dog and that you believed a dog wouldn't be a problem - you are making a pretty big assumption that the realtor will not acknowledge the conversation --- if the landlord still refuses the dog after you have explained your side of things, then you either find another home for the pet or pay to get out of the lease ....

The tenant was given an official 60 day notice that I wasn't going to renew the lease, in which was acknowledged and signed for.

It requires a significant team in place and that in itself is tough to assemble from a distance, but I acknowledge it can be done.  

Nothing needed, put the owner's name and yours as POA as landlord, copy the POA and attach it to the lease with a line for the tenant to acknowledge at the bottom if you like, then you sign the lease as landlord, followed by POA dated xx/dd/yy.

I have a tenant moving in the 20th of March and here is the holding deposit receipt they signed:This will acknowledge receipt of the sum of $950.00 by BRARON PROPERTIES LLC ("Owner") from XXXXXX ("Applicant") as a holding deposit to hold vacant the rental property at XXXXXX, until MARCH 20, 2011.

If I can get the tenant to acknowledge the notice via email or text will that help my case? 

Maybe others with an esq after their name here will add detail.Although you notified them in person, you would likely want/need another 3rd party to verify this communication took place or otherwise had the tenant sign or acknowledge a notice (if possible).

This is verbiage we use courtesy of Old School:1.This contract is contingent upon short sale approvals, acceptable to Buyer.2.The Seller understands that he will receive NO FUNDS AT CLOSING.3.Parties acknowledge that the purchase price has been initially based on an estimated negotiated debt at closing.