I've also noticed that Red Tails are hard to find period it seems like. I'm not sure if this is due to lack of market for them since everyone seems to be going after morphs and constrictors lately. My first choice was actually a Red Tail but like you the few I could find were out of my price range, and I found they were not as good of a beginer snake.

One breeded did tell me that everyone, including pet stores, are short on supply right now because of the breeding season. They're waiting for the new eggs to hatch.