Don't be afraid to start small. Choose an animal to focus on and build from there, if you really want to breed. It seems lots of people get excited about breeding projects, and just keep adding species to their plans until it's all much too overwhelming to even consider (I had about the same thoughts as you at first, except I'm not a leo or crestie fan. Big lizards forever!). Just for a single species breeding group startup cost you're looking at between 500 and 1000 dollars depending on species in question, quality of animals, housing, feeding, and other needed supplies. Not to mention profitability isn't usually a word you'll hear thrown around here or by any other people when talking about their first few years or so breeding. Most breeders start out as just hobbyists, with very few actually going on to make it a profession after years of experience.

There isn't anything wrong with letting reptiles be your hobby while getting support from a different job. There isn't even anything wrong with choosing animals that aren't quite "mainstream" like balls and boas seem to be. It's all about you and what you're passionate about, don't let your herp collection be about anyone but you.

I've had to size back my collection due to life happening, so I'm down from 12 ball pythons to only 3 and our beardie, and I have a close family member watching the 3 snakes for me for the time being. I am a cautionary tale about what happens when you bull rush a herp collection, which is my own fault... Always think and plan ahead when considering the future of your animals!