So I am trying to make plans of what genes I want in what genders, how many animals, etc for my future breeding projects. I'm not really interested in producing the newest morph, just really nice quality color and pattern. The goal is to create Mystic Potions, BELs, Pieds, Albinos, Lavender Albinos (big maybe here, haven't decided) and various combinations. I will be looking to include enhancing genes when possible like Pastel, but they aren't required. The listed colors are my absolute favorite in ball pythons and have been for years. I'll be a small time breeder, 1 clutch a year to begin with and maybe working up to 2 clutches. Each female would be bred only every other year. I'll be keeping any unsold babies rather than wholesaling them. The whole thing is a long term project; I expect it to take me 5 years or so to buy caging, stock, growing them up, and finally breeding.

So that brings me to picking my stock. The biggest thing I'm trying to avoid is "waste", I want to avoid producing normals, % hets, mystery animals (where genes aren't clear) and single gene animals whenever possible. I'm also setting a per-animal budget for myself of around $1500; I can't personally justify more than that but I recognize that prices are generally fair and ever-changing. Lastly I'm personally choosing not to include Spider in these plans due to their neurology.

So I guess here are my questions...
1) Is there a sex ratio I should attempt to maintain or does it not matter in my situation? I have 7 possible slots for breeder animals and could sell/trade for two more spots (they're single gene pets).
2) Is there a market for animals that are 100% double hets or am I creating excess animals? For example I can't afford an Albino Piebald male. But I can afford Albino het Pied and match him with a Piebald het Albino female. This would produce 25% chance of non-visual double hets.
3) Do you think the savings in housing and feeding are worth trying to get 3 gene animals for mixing and matching?
4) What pattern modifying genes are out there that would help enhance pieds, albinos, and animals of the BEL complex?
5) If you have suggestions on exact animals to choose I'm all ears.