You are not doing anything wrong you are actually doing all the right things.

I took a look at what you are trying to build. That is where you need to do some work.

1. Books today are relatively inexpensive. So what would the cost be to rent vs buy? Rent vs buy used?
2. Why not go to the library?
3. You can buy used, no?

As a Non-Technical founder I don't see the problem