You have 2 jobs, replacing whatever the tile is bonded to--drywall or cement board, then the tile job. You could try something outlandish--ask a local tile guy if you can watch him on one of his jobs, or ask him for advice. Personally if it were me with an upcoming tile customer, I wouldn't mind this kind of request and I'll bet many other pros would be equally open, maybe even a little flattered to help. Good luck.