Corn snakes make excellent first snakes. They will grow up to around 5 feet in length over the course of their life. They are very hardy and non aggressive.
Here's the link you wanted. The thread is closed, but you could probably still contact the guy: http://www.reptileforums.net/forums/showthread.php?87072-Super-tiger-retic-pz-read
I'm familiar with the thread that Calamity is talking about, and this isn't the first time this particular admin has been waving the ban hammer around. Unfortunately, people will run their websites as they see fit, and the rest of us have to either play by their rules or leave the forum. I feel...
Just a suggestion, but why don't you try adopting a leo that needs a good home. You sound like a good keeper for as old as you are, so instead of starting with a baby, why not look into an adult, or a juvenile, that needs a good home.