What is the best resource for a serious person to unlock Vegas's full potential? I feel like I'm using the first 3 gears of a 5 speed sports car pretty good but want to drive the software on the AutoBahn now.

I've been using VMS7, VMS8, Vegas 7, and now Vegas 8 for about 4 years and am pleased with the results. I am at a point where I would like to go much deeper and learn the shortcuts, efficient ways to do things, and advanced features for compositing, masking etc to be more efficiently and get more professional results. I also get totally confused trying to use the renders to get .mp4 without interlacing, .mp4 without interlacing, how to use intermediates (cineform....), the "proper" way to use the 3 wheel color corrector....

My first preference would be something like Lynda.com produces, but as of now they don't deal with recent versions of Vegas and what they have is very limited.

check out Edward Troxels newsletters and VASST for resources. They both have lots of great information posted.
Also read the help section of Vegas lots of good info there as well and finally, just play with it. Play, play, play you can't hurt a thing.

I've played a ton, but ready to invest in the best materials. I've had several VASST experiences and conversations with Ed. I'll look into both again.

Thanks,