Paulh,
Thank you!
Especially for the aspen location! We've got the magic of Wilco here in Oregon, so I will check with them.
I like to think that I have good DIY skills, but I definitely have two roommates who know how to DIY.

I LOVE complete guides, and so I bought and shall read that book in the next week or so.
I know of a nice reptile place the next town over, and found an exotic pet store here in this town. I'll definitely make some time to visit those places.

I'd like a timer based heater, however is there kinds where you can set a time for the temperature to just turn down? I tend to live with a living space colder than average, and wouldn't wanna harm my snake by making it too cold..

So probe type thermometers DO stay in the substrate? I'll definitely get an IR temp gun, no matter the heat source.