Perhaps the house is the solution to your dilemma.

Given it is still habitable and not occupied by squatters, perhaps Heather could take you both down there for a while, long enough at least for the studio to be dealt with unoccupied and that roadblock removed that has the operation on hold.

Then, you two could go back and get the knees done. Meanwhile, Heather could stay down there and continue to get the place sorted; let her live there cheap if she'll do it.

You and Tam could then, once you're healed, decide what you are going to do next, whether finally let go the studio since she is the last of the line, or you give or sell Heather the house in VA, or you go back to Tam commuting from time to time on the China bus as Heather can help you out while Tam is in the city.

I'm way overstepping my bounds, but it sounds like you both are kinda stuck. Perhaps then, taking a step back and thinking through the options with some clarity might be the way forward again.

I'll take the rap for overstepping, but you both know I give a damn.