Instead of doing the 'progression' method of getting experience, I would suggest getting around someone or volunteering at a place that keeps larger snakes to get some handling experience. Look toward local keepers and breeders.....and herp societies. Burms are not that complicated because of their care requirements....what makes them so difficult to keep is their size. An 8'-10' columbian is alot different than a 14'+ burm.

Other than that you list sounds good....