I am a structural engineer, registered in the state of NY, and having worked on new construction and renovations with small and large developers inspired me to take a leap of faith to become one of them.  

How much should it cost to lay an engineered hardwood floor over apporx 700 sq ft?

After 3-4 months, I think you'll start to get the hang of it by reading here a lot.Later you can buy a new porsche like me and laugh at all the college snobs who think theyre better than everyone else and doubted you, yet they make as much as 1-2 burger king workers after accumulating $50,000+ in student loans (my favorite tactic was to post pictures of it online with me in it and then proceed to give them facebook pokes to force them to look at my profile, and then ask them what their experience with V12 engines have been like because im planning to purchase a new ferrari next year)

Working against me is original report from 2012 was done by "most highly regarded " structural engineer in Berkeley.

I think you should reverse engineer what you want to do.

Now I'm debating whether to paint over it with a white epoxy floor paint or put engineered hardwood over the top.  

No secret sauce, you get what you pay for so if you looking at a $40,000 MF don't expect to have a lawyer or engineer as your tenants

I'm an IT engineer and I enjoy what I do but, but I desire to achieve and build more.

Im a general contractor by day, and an operating engineer at night in Staten Island, NY.

Try searching "yellow letters" and the BP search engine will provide you a bunch of info.