My advice is to start out with something relatively simple. Rats are a wonderful start. For the most part, other than handling them daily, they are easy to care for and require little. Their odor isn't aweful (ferrets and rabbits are somewhat stinky), and they don't take up too much room.
I would also suggest a rat- for starters. If you'd have experience with pets, than maybe a rabbit would be better. And if your really sure you can do it, and have time to devote to a pet- than I'd suggest a ferret. Hope you find your perfect pet!
i have two guinea pigs and they are the best. my friend has three rabbits and they smell really bad but they arre extremly cute and affectionate animals. but i used to have a ferret and he stole everything and i could never find it until a long time and they have sharp teeth.