be prepared to house and feed a large monitor like a savannah. they're not really a good beginner monitor, IMO. some people think differently, thats just my oppinion.
I've got a sav - wouldn't have been my choice for a first monitor (I was landed with it basically -long story). I think an ackie would be better although I don't (yet) have any. They have all the monitor personality packed into a smaller, more handleable size. If you've seen any of my other posts I'm now preparing to make for my sav a good solid 8x4x4 enclosure - they need 1 1/2 - 2ft of topsoil so you have to think about water-proofing. Food bills are enormous. Mainly insects should be what they eat - rather than mainly rodents - which can be fattening which is why many savs get obese. I'm currently spending £100 (approx $180) a month on locusts alone. (must get into breeding locusts).