First time buying a snake?

[Nightfire]

I worked up a huge interest for snakes, especially pythons. Their beauty and strength is magnificent and I'm looking into buying one at a later age. Well, when I have my own apartment. I've heard that ball pythons are an excellent first snake to own with their laid back attitude and easy care. Anyways, the question I have about them is where to buy from. I've heard that buying from a pet store is not as good as a breeder because the snake's can be unhealthy or not well cared for. I was able to handle one, and it was my first time ever handling a snake. It's scales were free of marks and it's eyes were clear and healthy. The price was $79.00 and it was a pastel morph. Very beautiful. He wasn't nippy and seemed very content to be in my hands. He became active not long after he was handed to me. What I'm trying to say is, he looked and acted healthy. So, would it be okay to buy from a pet store as long as you gave the snake a good "check up"? As long as the snake looks and seems to be in good shape?