Hey and welcome to HostingRefuge
Have you thought about a VPS/VDS (Virtual Private Server/Virtual Dedicated Server).
With that you get root access and you install your own software and basically do whatever you want, much like a real server.
The difference is that the server is split into sections, you have a section of the server, and other users have a section of the server.
This means it will be a lot cheaper for you.
This is normally just as stable as a full dedicated server and you have all the options you want, including the ability to reboot the server if you are having any problems, without effecting the other VPS owners on the same server.

To be honest also, I wouldn't go with a company from eBay. You might have been lucky and got with a good company, but there are a lot on there that aren't the best..
Most people on eBay compete solely on price, that's not what you want.
You want the best service available but a good price tag, but a price tag that matches.

You mentioned ThePlanet, it is a great location for servers, that is where HostingRefuge is hosted
Their prices can be a little more expensive than other places, but it is well worth it.

Another option is www.ev1servers.net
You are more likely to get something cheaper there but still with a great server and good network.

John