What happened to them? Died? Lost interest? Escaped? If you are 17 I cant imagine he is much older or younger which means he is not old enough to have had several ball pythons if he was keeping them responsibly. If he was he would still have them all.
It doesn't sound like he needs a snake at all, or any pet. Snakes live a long time when cared for properly so they are not for people that are not committed.
With his lack of interest and your lack of funds I would find the snake a nice snake person to adopt it and give it a better life.