I don't really know of any real site that has what your looking for (that's legal). The most that I can suggest to you there is to simply read all the tutorials that you possibly can.

I share your opinion of how some books are very high-priced but here is a list of a few books that I have personally read or are in the process of reading that are definately more than worth the bang for your buck!

Counter Hack , by Ed Skoudis

Unofficial Guide to Ethical Hacking , by Ankit Fadia

Corperate Computer and Network Security , by Raymond R. Panko

Cybershock , by Winn Schwarteau

These I can tell you without a doubt are worth every penny if your interested in Computer Security.

Also if your looking into careers in the field of computers, may I suggest you get this one too...

Guide to Homeland Security Careers , by Donald Hutton and Anna Mydlarz

Hope this helps a bit...

--Peace