But I was quoted 55 just labor costs by a contractor and I (lacking experience) estimated that it would cost 50 in materials.

But again, we dont know that their story wont be something materially different from yours.

You can do renos with basic materials that will last 10-15 years...commercial grade fixtures, not decorator's grade.

I don't think California investments are materially better or worse than any other market.  

Supervising contractors, measuring, changing plans as needed (reno never goes as planned), buying materials, etc, etc.

Has anyone had better luck with one material or another flooring over a basement?  

What types of questions or material to bring to initial meetings to get a good idea if it will be the right fit for my goals.

If you think that there is no rot in the wood, the windowa are standard size, the connection between the windows and the siding material is straight forward, and you are putting in 15 or less..

Costs could vary wildly from $10-30/cy, and would be dependent on a number of factors...permitting, disposal site for dredged material, hydraulic vs mechanical, etc. 

(Misrepresenting material facts) Expressing that you buy houses, that you will buy, is an inducement for the other party to agree to the contract and you'll  have fraud in that inducement when you don't perform as claimed, or haven't ever performed as you claim.A saying; "A dirty dog will not find justice in a court"  (close if not quoted exactly), meaning here that one with "dirty hands" will not prevail in contracting.