The first thing that popped in my head was why did your normal get sick and die? Did he get an RI? Was he taken to a vet?

IF you want to make the jump, the first thing you need to do is RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH. Learn proper care and how to notice health issues. You don't want to spend hundreds or thousands, just to find out you don't know what you are doing and lose your collection.

Second, invest in a rack system OR build one to get started (Coated melamine is cheap and it works; however it won't last as long as pvc). Make sure you get heat tape and a GOOD t-stat. This is how I made my first rack to get started, though I do prefer the pvc racks now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEyNB...4&feature=plcp

Third... Figure out how you plan to feed. Buy FT from a big supplier (will need freezer) OR breed your own. I'd suggest breeding your own if over 10 snakes and don't have a local breeder that sells at feeder prices. Be careful not to overload yourself with more breeders than you need. Look up CO2 chambers and learn to freeze your own (we stock up over breeding season when the girls aren't eating).

Fourth, buy what is appealing to you! Trust me, when you have dozens of snakes to care for, it can take a toll on you. DON'T buy the cheapest thing you can. Spend an extra $50+ for QUALITY! You'll be glad you did!

Maybe we are in the minority, but when I decided I wanted a ball python, we got two. Within a month, we had over 30...but I did lots of RESEARCH. You can't do something half-way especially with living creatures.