A good starter snake could be something like a Corn, a Bull Snake, or maybe a Childrens/Spotted Python.
A corn snake is not really that much easier to keep than a ball. I'd say they are on the same level with regards to care as hatchlings because they have just as many feeding issues, especially if they are from a pet store. BP's are less aggressive and skittish than baby corn snakes, IMO, and they aren't as easy to lose due to their size as babies.