Is taking on religious knowledge by reading specialized, reliable books, after consulting specialists, and by researching fatwas when in doubt, considered a correct way for the average Muslim to acquire religious understanding?

There is no harm in acquiring knowledge through simplified books, while asking trustworthy scholars about anything that is unclear. The fundamental principle is to receive knowledge from شیخs and in study circles. If that is not possible, then there is no harm in perusing books with the consultation of upright scholars who adhere to the Sunnah (definition). One should seek out books with an easy style, and whenever it is possible to listen to lessons from trustworthy scholars, one should do so because of the great benefit therein.