This might help:
Rio Bravo Reptiles: Boa Care
I wouldn't recommend a BCC (true red tail) as a first boa. Their husbandry can be more difficult without experience and they can be less tolerant of husbandry errors.
Like you said on temperament...There are exceptions with any boa. They are all individuals, but some generalities can be made based on where the animal is from. How the animal is kept/handled and more are also factors. Any boa has potential to be a less than ideal 'pet' as far as temperament is concerned.
Your on the right track. Keep doing research and asking questions before you make the jump.
Good luck.
