Even if u take a becker course, u still needs to be a dedicated person to pass the cpa exam.

Let me remind you something , used books probably not gonna work cauz --- the freqency of changes in accounting and tax laws....

 u need both ounce of memory & tons of logic to pass the cpa test..its not one vs another , it's  combined effort...if u don't beleive, take the test for ur self fullfilment..

When I'm working my ass off for 10 hrs a day, I'd would not go  searching for an old book in craigslist....time is money..not otherwise...I think i'll stick to "Little expensive" well designed course than my old crapy notes and outdated  books..

just my personal opinion..from my personal experience...