Hi Kim,
My kids were having this very same conversation last night with their friend - he also wants a ferret.

I think you're being very smart about asking these questions. I know nothing about the care and maintainence of ferrets, but I have heard lots about them from people who don't like them, "Oooo... they're smelly!" Ah, but you're more than capable of taking care of household smells! You handled nearly 30 cats without cirsis!

All kidding aside, doing research is very smart. I know there's a very active ferret rescue around here because people get one and don't realize the time and money involved. I know you are capable to put in the time and care, and without a doubt you'd come up with the financial aspect of his/her care. Have you thought of perhaps conacting your local ferret rescue to see if you could foster one first just to see if they're a good critter for you?