I know that anything I spend is gonna be out of my pocket. That's pretty much what I'm trying to avoid, especially when it would be likely for nothing.

He has something of a reputation for not taking anybody's advice, so there is really no reason to think he would follow a care sheet. Luckily (for me) they are short of money often enough that he might sell it to me. He adores that stupid 75 gallon tank, so if I told him I didn't want that, it might sweeten the deal a bit.

EDIT- I would actually be willing to go above market price for the snake, as (against all odds) it appears to be healthy, it eats very well, and I already have it.

(It's the snake in my avatar)