[911Rob]

I'm an engineer, builder and marketing expert.

Are you nuts?

I'm also a huge renovator, but anything like this is a ticket for losses.
Buy the work already done, especially in this market!
Engineering an existing building is very difficult without the specific factors and components; if there are no plans or engineering specifications from the original design, the assumptions could be too great? I would excavate a portion of the foundation from the exterior to check the footing under the block wall. If the wall is sitting on a good strip footing and concrete filled, level and plumb you're likely good to go. Portions of the load bearing super structure (2x4 walls) will also be required to expose and examine from an engineering point; dont rule out doing this also from the exterior? (remove siding and plywood).

My advise to you is forget about it.