What i would do is to rip everything down to the first layer of wood, it should be plank like wood ( it sounds like it is an older home ) generaly it is tung and grooved pine. After doing this put down a 1/2 inch concrete board (durarock) given you have enough height, if not use 1/4 inch concrete board ( wonder board ). Do this by mortaring the board down to the floor and nailing it with roofing nails. Use latex modified thin set for mortar. Tape the joints as recomended and you are ready for tile.