I happened upon the podcast first and from there joined the website and began to read a lot of the blogs and books that are available. 

Scott book Estimate Rehab Cost ( I believe that is the correct title check to be sure) was mentioned in the webinar.

Our realtor said he does things by the books, and is against not getting permits.

what other inexpensive way to get listing leads do you like without cold calling out of a phone book?

Since you want to do flipping I also recommend the books on rehabbing and cost estimating by @J Scott You can find them in the BP store under the Resources tab above. 

New To Real Estate, Looking To Get Into Virtual (Reverse) WholesalingCan anybody recommend some good (audio)books, podcasts, videos, courses, sites and/or other resources on the topic...besides Bigger Pockets of course, which I love ;-)Thanks,Justin

I am thinking of studying on my own from a few books I've discovered, but kind of want the input of others who have taken the exam without actually sitting through a course.

I have subscribed to BiggerPockets since last March, I have been reading the books suggested, I listen to all the podcasts, I m participating to the webinars, go to investors meeting, I even have TWO mentors AND I m pulling money out of my life insurance so I have cash ready to go! 

Try the book Getting Things Done.

Most of my time these days in consumed with real estate books and the BP podcast, however; when the season starts, I'm an avid duck hunter.