Looking for a mentor isn't a bad idea, but I've always found myself wondering just how many people would be willing to take on the liability for someone who's essentially a stranger. My own "mentor" probably set a better example of what not to do with hots, so the possibility that someone may work to instill bad habits is something to keep in mind.
I think keeping hots is ultimately something that relies heavily on simple repetition and having basic sense. In lieu of finding someone to teach you in person, there are countless Youtube videos that can show you the more advanced things like restraining, tubing, making/using a "
u-plex" and other things you won't likely need to do with any regularity.
For the more typical day-to-day stuff, you'd probably be best served by acquiring an especially hateful colubrid and simply treating it like a mamba. Build up your experience level with hooks/tongs on an animal that can't hurt you, before using them on something that can.
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