It did not take my long to get an email from my broker with evidence of the license in his possession.

You would approach your "new real estate partner" with the facts: You've (hopefully) got a record 1/2 undivided interest AND possession and his share is worth much less that 1/2 of ARV due to the following list of reasons...It's no longer a dispute between two spouses and does not have to be emotionally charged or difficult to resolve and attorneys CAN be avoided IF a realistic resolution is agreed upon.Remember: you didn't cause your current seller's problem and they have nothing without your help.

The writ was issued and we got possession.  

There's no issue with WalMart paint, other than it doesn't have the coverage, longevity and scrubability properties that higher quality paints possess. 

@Markus March You don't say if the tenant is asking you to replace their possessions or not.

After discussing this with a real estate attorney I realize in this state I can not file for an Affadvit of Abandoment and take possession soon than the eight months indicated by the court.My attorney was able to tell me that the successful bidder receives a Certificate of Sale but does not receive title until a Confirmation of Sale of completed at the end of the redemption period.  

In Virginia, could I purchase the tax lien and take possession of the property somehow?

Once I Have Possession, I give them the money.

So, I was wondering if there were any exceptions to this rule given that I'm not able to take possession of the premises due to the leases currently in place. 

I know that if this was in NC and I was in your shoes, I would only enter the property after the sheriff, and after doing all the required due process to gain legal possession, etc.