What is a good pet rodent/small mammal for me?

I would say a hamster is probably the best bet. Dwarf hamsters like being handled less than others. You are right about ferrets I have them and they take time, need to form a bond need daily cleaning (they poop a lot) and plenty of time out of the cage. Hamsters stay in there cage mostly (or time in a ball on floor) and don't need a lot of holding (especially the dwarf hamsters). You just need to feed and give fresh water daily (no biggie) and their cages usually need cleaned only once a week. It takes my daughter about 20 minutes each week to take care of her hamsters cage.