We got a structural engineer to estimate the extent of the damage and then a basement contractor to bid the job.  

Maybe look into a project engineer position with a large general contractor in the special projects (smaller sized projects) division.

I know you said you were having trouble getting clear numbers from contractors, but I would definitely recommend getting a structural engineer or foundation repair specialist to check that out to get a cost estimate.

I'm a real estate newbie, but I've got a lot of applicable skills from 13 years in start-ups, running businesses, a Kellogg MBA, masters of engineering in design thinking / innovation, etc.

I'm an trained nuclear mechanic and dropped out of my civil engineering degree during my senior design project to begin investing. 

What I've done is "reverse engineer" the BP calculators and create my own spreadsheets that incorporate specific items I felt the calculators were missing (minor details and region specific items). 

My name is Allen and I recently moved to Santa Clara, CA.I studied Industrial Operations Engineering at University of Michigan and graduated in 2012.

He thinks I do that  No , thats the engineers job  I dig the footers .  

We just put in engineered floors in the first level (living) and they said they will put their oriental and another rug by the front door.

You should also noticed a pack of engineers, financial experts, and lawyers also work on this kind of deal.Full disclosure...