If you don't have the money for the snake.. how will you get the money to buy an enclosure and heat with a good thermostat? Please make sure to take that into consideration.

Read the caresheet on this forum before you set up the tank. Learn it like a bible.
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules/...warticle&id=59

Don't get a cage too big (I recommend a tub actually).
Make sure you get a good UTH (under tank heater) and have something to control it. I recommend a good thermostat. They run 70-80 dollars or so.
Use either papertowels, newspaper, aspen, or cypress mulch for substrate. Avoid heat lamps, log hides, and oversized water bowls. Don't use sand, cedar, or pine bedding.
Here's an idea of how a tank should be set up.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...g?t=1259267982

Good luck and welcome!