(Semi) newbie here with many, MANY questions!

[Bogertophis]

...

I did nearly get some pick up some plastic containers at the dollar store though, but I remembered my previous attempts to make holes in such things before which went horribly... Really need a blowtorch or something because every time I tried cutting out an entry hole I'd always get uncomfortable with how sharp the edges would turn out.

Easiest way to cut/modify & smooth edges /or put holes in plastic is with a cheap (about $10 or less) soldering iron, like this (just random example). The only thing though is that plastic off-gases toxic smoke that you must not breathe, so ONLY do this outside on a porch or in the garage where it can be aired out.