Is 2 degrees that big of deal?

I got my accurites from Wal-Mart. Accurite makes several different kinds of thermometers but the recommended one is about $12-$13.

Personally, I think having the probes on top of the substrate is the absolute best because it's going to give you the actual temperature the snake is coming in contact with. In my experience you have to get the probe anchored and then nestled just slightly into the bedding. My BP won't go in and lay on it if the wire is sticking up. It was kind of finicky to get right at first but I've done it like that for several months now with no trouble. Just make sure the probe wire is anchored a short distance away (edge of hide) so there is no possibility of your snake dislodging it. This is important if you use t-stats because you don't want the probe to get pushed away from the heat source. I use a little mound of substrate to keep mine in place.

Rolled cork is used alot to make the push-pin boards. Its pressed cork about 1/4" thick that comes in rolls. If you were to go to Micheals or JoAnn and ask for it they'd know. Your typical roll is about 2 feet wide and 4 feet long. I think about $8 or $9.

I have to say, snakes are far more rewarding than fish and well worth the effort. Just think, you've got a buddy for a couple of decades or more!