Over the years I have occasionally picked up VFTs from the zoo or elsewhere, but they were usually weak and died fairly quickly (well, I didn't do as much research on raising them as I should have either).
Now I'm 37 and so I have the excuse of buying them for my 2 yr old daughter, who, of course, never looks at them unless I am, which is quite often (it's so fun seeing them close on a bug!). I just picked up a red dragon, dente and common about a week ago and they all look healthy as of now. I think the California weather is similar to their native habitat, except perhaps a bit less humid, so I hope I can keep them alive for many years to come.