Hello! First post here, let's get straight to the point.

Most likely, if everything goes well, I will be getting a BP by the end of November. As I am still in high school, parental permission is a thing, but before I explain to them any further my plan, I want to be sure I'm not giving false information. I'm going to list basic things, and PLEASE tell me if they're wrong, or if I could change anything.

I will probably get a male at my city's reptile show (Cin City Reptile Show. Anyone know any really good breeders?)
Since I will be getting a young one, he will begin in a ten gallon tank that I have lying around, which I need to get latches for, since it's not a secure lid. Newspapers will be the first substrate, and I will upgrade into a 20/25 gallon once he's an adult. I'm unsure what substrate would be best to use. Suggestions?

Heating; I will buy an undertank heating mat, much like what I already have for my leopard gecko. I do have a heating lamp that I got for free with said gecko that is currently not in use, so If I really need it to be hotter, I've got that covered. Any recommended thermometers? What brands?

Feeding: This is what I'm the most concerned about. What is a good rule for food size? Should I begin with mice or rats? What sizes at about what age? I'm absolutely going to buy them frozen. However, I've heard that BP's are picky eaters sometimes. Would I be able to pop a thawed mouse/rat back into a freezer to try again another day, or would I have to throw it out?

That's the very very basics that I've had leftover questions about. I've got hides covered, and I know about humidity. Any other tips for a first time snake owner would be greatly appreciated!