First ball python

[Tuna]

As the title says, I am looking to get my first ball python. I have been interested in them for quite awhile now, about 2 years. The only thing that has been stopping me is being super busy with school and work. I feel I can commit fully to taking care of one now that I have graduated high school.
The only thing stumping me is the discussion on how to care for a ball python. I did a whole lot of research and so many people say different things. I really dont know what to buy for the habitat at all, thats why im coming here to ask you guys for your advice and tips. What I was going to buy with what i have done with my research:
10 gallon tank
cypress mulch
hiding place
water bowl
heat source
thermostat
thermometer/temp gun
Now when it comes to the heat source, thats where i have my biggest issue. I read that people swear by overhead heat(heat lamp) and people swear by belly heat(heat pad). I personally was leaning towards the heat pad because a few more people believe that having a heat lamp will really reduce humidity in a tank. Another question i have is regarding humidity in general, I know this is a big thing for ball pythons yet I see a lot of breeders not really "caring" about it, like they dont talk about using any sort of humidifier device or anything. Simply sprits the cage once or twice a day and give them a nice soak during shed. Another thing is, i hear a temp gun is alot better than a thermometer?

I plan on buying my ball python in july during the reptile expo down here in Socal. So i really would like to start buying everything and setting it up now, any tips or advice you guys could give me would be very much appreciated, Thanks.