I know a lot will depend on the market and cost barrier to enter, but I am looking in both my home market of Atlanta, GA and surrounding area, as well as in Ohio - Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Cleveland. 

The plumber then usually recommends rebuilding the whole wetwall and covering it and the rest of the tile surround with a cheap, ugly acrylic surround kit.

Personally I would not send a letter or an email .i would drive right over there immediately walk rIght up to the door and tell the idiot to hIs face to lose the dog or he will be evicted then I’d hand him the quit or pay notice right then and tell him to improve his conduct or him and Fido will be whimperIng on the street . ..or you could kindly send him an email bake him some fresh sugar cookies and ask him if he was willing to compromise with just 3 pit bulls in the house

I currently serve the Chicago and the surrounding northern suburbs including, Northbrook, Glenview, Deerfield, Highland Park, Golf, Northfield,  Glencoe, Rosemont, Skokie, Evanston, etc.

It generally drives some calls.

Do your self a favor and make sure you set the rules with the tenants or they will drive you crazy.

Get yourself a map.... and drive around lol.

You need boots on the ground to drive by a property and see if the street and block is ready for improvement.

I started driving for dollars, saw a house, located the owners phone number using  https://www.truepeoplesearch.com/ I called  the owner he said he is ready to sell, to make him an offer.

I highly recommend spending a day or two driving around and taking notes on different neighborhoods and areas.