All but 2 of mine were purchased from known breeders online. The best way is by getting to know the popular reptile classified sites like kingsnake.com. Then if you find something you like, research the seller on the BOI on faunaclassifieds.com or visit their website.

Buying online is a great way to go. You just need to be sure you're buying from someone who has a good reputation for having healthy, quality animals.

Be sure to ask how they ship. Either they use FedEx through their own account (they are certified) or they use SYR. Anything else is no longer allowed for snakes as far as I know. (someone correct me if I'm wrong)

Plus there are some some long time breeders on this site right here with great animals who advertise here and a few with their own websites.

All it takes is some lurking, searching, and getting to know how it all works and who the people are.