I have two ferrests at home and they're a magical mix of insanely intelligent and completely stupid. They're like cats, except they're slinkier and not assholes.
You can get them descented, and while they're still a little musky I've found the cure all for their cages. 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water. There's a few things you can do to make sure they don't smell awful. I would suggest them 100%. My ferrets are just amazing. They're so sweet and funny!
Like if it can be knocked over, it'll being knocked over. They also steal anything they "like" and hide it around your house. and they climb on things with no regard to if it will fall down or not. They are very fond of knocking over pop cans.
I'm not sure on the bonding. They like to play. They bite but its not painful. Unless its on your feet. Like mine know me and always come and try to get me to play with them whenever they're out
Eh not really any regrets. Just make sure you have doors that are low to the ground so if you want to be alone you can close them, otherwise they are able to slide under some higher doors.
I really want a ferret but they have been so over-bred that they only live about half as long as they should and tend to suffer from terrible health problems. It is a shame because they are rather intelligent and can make great pets.