Emotion come into play but this is going to be a business for you that will generate income. 

The emotional issues are hard enough, but are there any legal issues that I should be thinking about?  

I have a potential tenant who has an emotional supporting animal, and a letter from her psychologist saying the ESA is for a mental disability.

I love pioneers.That said there is not one but there are a few strategies you can use to succeed, and like real estate, they are all different and you need to find the one that makes you enjoy the game ;-)When deciding on the where and what and how, never be attached emotionally to the assets.

You can't get emotional attached to a property where the numbers don't work well.

Have policies in place and try not to get emotional.

In other words, the animal must work, perform tasks or services, or alleviate the emotional effects of your disability in order to qualify.

great advice above.Realize, the price is artificailly low to capitalize on peoples' emotions. 

You can drive for dollars and target homes that seem distressed or abandoned to find off-market deals (or find an agent or wholesaler that will do that), be patient, and don't let your emotions get (too) involved. 

Dont waste your emotional energy on guessing or assuming or feeling like you are wasting anyones time.